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Blood Bond	By : Mawgy Category: -Multi-Age > Slash - Male/Male Views: 3889 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- 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
- 7
- 8
- 9
Title: Blood Bond
Author: Mawgy
Beta: Naresha
Rated: PG13 for this chapter. NC-17 overall.
Genre: Angst
Warnings: Male/Male relationship. Incest, character death
Pairing: Erestor/Glorfindel
Summary: Erestor and Glorfindel discover that a short engagement may be romantic, but can lead to bigger problems.
Disclaimer: I own nothing and am making no money from this story… I just like to play with other people’s toys. :D

Chapter 8

Erestor walked along the pathway towards the local school, plant seeds in the basket hanging off his arm. It had been a year since he severed the bond with Glorfindel and attempted to tear his own heart from his chest. Tempted though he was to fall into oblivion at the time, Earane would not let him be. Erestor’s father took a leave of absence from teaching to take care of his son; never allowing his soul to fade or his mind to go blank. The wound on Erestor’s chest had finally stopped bleeding a month later and now a scar would forever hang over his heart.

Slowly, Erestor was drawn from his depression and Earane found various activities to lure Erestor out from his newly founded cocoon, keeping him occupied while on the road to recovery. Once Erestor had gained the majority of his strength back, Earane officially gave up his post as teacher and moved to the other side of Gondolin and chose to reside in the House of the Tree. He bought a run-down farm, far away from even his closest of neighbours and renewed the homestead so that he and Erestor could become self-reliant. Two months after their move, Earane found work as a part time tutor and ventured to the nearest village every second day.

Erestor, aside from tiring easily and feeling the cold more than an elf should, was now fully healed, though it had taken some time to convince Earane of that. Finally, after twelve months of being cooped up in a house with only Earane and his beloved pet cat as company, his father had hesitantly agreed to allow Erestor out of the house and journey into town on a day he was working. Winter was fast approaching and it was up to Erestor to find sturdier plants that could grow in the mountain’s harsh weather while Earane assisted his pupils. They had left the house a little later than Earane would usually have, just long enough for the weather to warm a little so Erestor would not grow so cold. And they would leave mid-afternoon so they would be home a full hour before the sun set. Much to Erestor’s dismay, they rode the one horse together, with Earane’s arms securely around Erestor’s waist to whole way into town.

But that was a few hours ago and now Erestor relished the freedom he felt as he walked among other elves with the warm sun on his face and the soft earth beneath his feet. His regained strength would not last past their return home, but on a beautiful day like today; he would not care should he faint right there on the flower-lined path.

He moved slowly, nodding a ‘good day’ to those whose paths he crossed, but otherwise kept to himself. Enjoying the walk through town, he opened his mind to the environment around him, taking in every particle of life that surrounded him. Erestor closed his eyes and sent a silent prayer of thanks to the Valar; grateful they had allowed him to continue living after committing such a heinous sin so that he may once again experience a moment such as this. However, just as he sent his final word of gratitude, a dark shadow fell over his face.

“I need a word with you!” Glorfindel growled, grasping Erestor’s arm in a vice-like grip. Erestor gasped and winced in pain as he was led away from the main street; the basket he was carrying now lay forgotten on the ground. Glorfindel drew Erestor away from a few peering eyes and rounded a nearby barn. He roughly pushed Erestor against the wall and slammed his hands on either side of the slim body, keeping the younger elf in place. “Tell me WHY!”

Erestor rubbed his arm and shrank into himself, pressing himself against the wood behind him as much as possible. He could feel Glorfindel’s eyes burning into him, but his guilt did not allow him to return the gaze. He remained silent, looking at the ground, shaking in the shadow of his former lover.

“I deserve to know!” Glorfindel snapped impatiently and took a step closer.

“Glorfindel, I-”

“That is LORD Glorfindel to you!”

Erestor’s mouth quivered and nodded his head, tears starting to well in his eyes.

“Lord Glorfindel, our bond was an abomination. It was an affront to the Valar and to all other wedded couples. I could not allow it to continue. Incestuous relations are against the natural order,” Erestor spoke in a shaky voice, still not daring to look at Glorfindel.

“So that is it? No apologies? No chance for argument? You would sever our bond, leaving me in perpetual agony for all eternity, the exact opposite of what we swore under the sky with the Valar as our only witness? Do you think they would have let this bond form if they considered it ‘wrong’?” Behind the Lord, people were running back and forth but he paid them no heed.

“What could they have done to stop us? Come down from on high and tell us in person that we cannot bond?” Erestor asked nervously.

“Of course not, they would have sent us a sign. Maybe a thunderbolt could have struck a nearby tree, for instance.”

“Would we have interpreted such a sign for its true meaning? Would THAT have stopped us?” Glorfindel was stunned into silence but continued to stare harshly at Erestor. “No, I do not believe so either. The Valar are as not as charitable as you may believe. Yes, they have appeared before a chosen few in the past, but to watch us squirm now brings them nothing but pleasure,” Erestor sneered, finally looking at Glorfindel. Erestor swallowed harshly; he had to make this believable. If ever he was to drive Glorfindel away, now was the time to do it. Despite his own desire to do nothing but rush into his love’s arms and passionately reaffirm their bond, he knew he never could again. One perfect night. That was all there could ever be. One night in exchange for eternal suffering. A fair trade. It had to be. It was all Erestor could believe in now.

Erestor’s cheek exploded in pain as Glorfindel slapped his face.

“I can never believe that! I WILL NOT believe that! Everything that happens is due to their will! They desired for us to meet so that we may have this chance at everlasting happiness. But you cannot see that unless you release the societal conventions you have built up in your mind!” Glorfindel’s chest rose and fell rapidly. With a strong hand, he gripped Erestor’s chin and forced the younger elf to face him. He stepped closer and lowered his voice. “No one else knows. Just us. It doesn’t have to be this way!”

“Yes it does! Had we of known of our blood relation we would never have let these feelings grow. If we grew up together as brothers, we would not be having this conversation!”

“You do not know that!”

“I DO! If I am able to rationalise this now in front of the one I would have spent the rest of my life with, then clearly I would have talked myself out of any possibility of us becoming more than kin HAD we grown up together! I took the time to think on this, as you allowed, and came to a decision- I disconnected our bond, nothing more can be done now!” Erestor argued vehemently, his jaw set.

Glorfindel looked stunned, and for the first time in their conversation looked anything but angry, which made Erestor feel all the guiltier. “Why do you deny me?” Glorfindel whispered, his lips brushing Erestor’s cheek.

Erestor’s neck convulsed, trying to keep his next words from escaping. “It is not only you I deny,” he murmured, his hands sliding up Glorfindel’s shoulders of their own volition.

Glorfindel pulled back, looking puzzled and was about to ask for the truth behind Erestor’s words when a scream came from nearby. Glorfindel stepped away from Erestor and turned about to observe the commotion around him. Erestor fell from the wall he had been pushed against, but was able to steady himself before he stumbled to the ground. A large gust of wind came from above and Erestor looked up in time to see an eagle fly overhead, its destination clearly the palace of King Turgon.

Erestor looked at Glorfindel, a worried frown marring his face.

“I should go. I may be needed,” Glorfindel whispered, his blue eyes turning aqua as tears clouded them. “But I-” Glorfindel was drowned out as a battle cry was made. Gasping, he ran to the nearest tree and climbed it with ease. Standing upon the highest twigs, his eyes immediately zoomed in on the black mass moving towards them. Orcs and beasts were marching on the hidden city and would soon crush everyone in their path. Glorfindel’s skin went cold and he could only watch in horror as they drew closer.

“What is it?” Erestor asked anxiously from below, snapping Glorfindel from his terrified state. Glorfindel looked down upon the small figure below. It was then that the lord noticed just how small Erestor was. True, the younger elf was slender, but even so, he had not been *that* slim in the week they had been together, nor so pale either. Despite the pain Glorfindel was now suffering due to this elf, he wanted for nothing than to keep him safe against the onslaught of foes now bearing down upon them. Glorfindel easily jumped down, landing on the ground beside Erestor. Without thought, the blonde grasped the other’s hand in his and began leading the dark elf away.

“We must hurry, the city is under attack!” Glorfindel shouted over the hubbub of others around him. He ran; dragging Erestor with him, to the barracks built for the few soldiers that dwelled in the town. Erestor tried to keep up, but he could already feel his strength dissipating with every step. “Ready arms! Prepare for immediate battle! Engage the enemy but do not go on the offensive. Defend this village and only retreat once the majority of civilians have reached a safe distance!” Glorfindel shouted to the men scurrying around, grabbing weapons and armour as they went.

Glorfindel spoke with the captain in charge for a moment, then led Erestor back outside and around to the stables. Despite not being properly housed when Glorfindel left his horse, the creature was still in the exact place that Glorfindel had left it.

“Quickly, get on!” Glorfindel ordered to Erestor.

“What? NO!” Erestor struggled weakly, his limbs now moving sluggishly.

“Why? This town shall soon be overrun!” Glorfindel shouted.

“What about my father? I am not leaving without him!” Erestor screamed.

“My horse cannot carry three, now hurry and get on!” Glorfindel now easily picked up the elf and placed him on the horse. The lord leapt on behind him and spurred his horse into action. Erestor was too shocked to hold onto the horse and instead turned to look back at Glorfindel.

“Please,” Erestor sniffed, tears glazing over his large eyes. “Please, my father.” Glorfindel looked down at Erestor. “He will not know I am safe.” Erestor pleaded, the first droplets beginning to run down his face. Glorfindel grunted and rolled his eyes, quickly turning his horse and heading back towards the oncoming foes, despite his instinctual desire to keep Erestor as far from those evil hoards as possible. “He is at the school, at the edge of the town.”

Glorfindel led his horse to the far side of town, avoiding the masses now running in the opposite direction and galloped with all haste to the school. Upon reaching it, Glorfindel observed the army that would crush the city were but a few hundred metres away and getting closer with every second. Glorfindel pulled his horse to a quick stop and jumped off.

“You,” he said with a stern finger pointed to Erestor, “stay here.” Erestor nodded in understanding and Glorfindel swiftly left, running straight into the building. Erestor sighed and leaned forward on the horse. He felt drained of energy even in the face of the evil beasts bearing down upon them. Suddenly, movement caught his eye. Something small, a black shape was creeping along the sidewall of a house nearby. Erestor blinked and peered again to make sure he was not seeing things.

“Lenwe?” Erestor shouted as the cat left the safety of the house’s shadow. The noise of the army had scared the poor creature so much it had run away from home! “Come on, up here. That’s it, over here,” Erestor called out to his cat, the first present Glorfindel had ever given him. The dark head regarded Erestor closely, taking one cautious step at a time towards the large horse. Erestor remained as still as possible, occasionally patting his leg, encouraging the kitten towards him. With a mighty leap, Lenwe sprang from the ground and into his master’s arms. Erestor righted himself just in time to catch his pet and held the shivering furball protectively to his chest. “It’s all right now. I have you. All will be well,” he said comfortingly.

A moment later Glorfindel came rushing out of the classroom, shaking his head- there was no sign of Earane.

“Erestor!” A frantic voice called from behind the horse. Erestor’s head whipped around to see his father rushing towards him. “Oh thank the Valar! I have been searching for you everywhere!” Earane said, relieved as he ran to the horse’s side, joining Erestor just as Glorfindel did.

“I am fine, father. Lord Glorfindel insists on taking me back to the palace,” Erestor said.

“But surely that is where these creatures are heading!” Earane debated, giving Glorfindel a dubious look.

“It is also where we shall mount our greatest defence while citizens use the underground tunnels to escape!” Glorfindel spoke quickly, the sound of the oncoming army becoming louder by the second. “Quickly, find a mount for yourself and follow us!” Glorfindel looked at Earane expectantly.

“My horse is just around the corner. Come Erestor, we shall ride together,” Earane ordered, holding his arm out to his son.

Before Erestor could move, Glorfindel stepped between Earane and the horse. “Mine is a warhorse, far stronger and faster than any farm creature and not as easily scared. He should ride with me.”

“He will not be going anywhere with you, not while I am here to protect him!”

“Protect? You do not even have a sword on you! He will be safer with me!”

“Safe? Because of YOU he almost DIED! Who do you think has been caring for him all this time? Were it not for you we would still be home with our friends and would never have gone through all this trauma!”

“Because of ME!? I never wanted any of this to transpire! It was Erestor’s final decision that led to all this heartache!” Glorfindel shouted. Earane looked taken aback, his eyes meeting Erestor’s guilt-ridden ones. “With my parents gone and my lover deserting me *I* very nearly faded as well! The only thought that kept me going was the possibility of changing Erestor’s mind! Not an easy task when I discovered you had moved!”

“I had-”

“A WHOLE YEAR! I have been searching for a whole year! And now THIS!” Glorfindel threw his arm in the direction of the enemy, the movement rotating his shoulder just in time as an arrow whizzed past, barely missing his limb. “We have to move. Get your horse!” Glorfindel pushed Earane away and jumped up behind Erestor.

“If we are separated, keep him safe!” Earane shouted back to them.

“You have my word,” Glorfindel promised, his arms encircling Erestor’s waist.

Glorfindel dug his heels into the horse’s sides and galloped around the corner. Earane had mounted his horse and nodded to the blonde. Glorfindel did not hold back and urged his horse away. The white stallion leapt into motion and galloped as fast as it could towards the city. Erestor undid two buttons on his robe and placed the kitten inside the material, holding the small animal tightly to his chest. They raced along the road, overtaking panic-stricken families without a second glance. Glorfindel kept a firm arm around Erestor’s waist as the other held onto his horse’s mane.

Just as they reached the half way mark to the city, the amount of people fleeing dwindled. Even Earane was falling behind, and though Erestor urged Glorfindel to wait, the Lord would hear none of it. Soon it was just them racing alone in the direction of Gondolin. In the far distance, Glorfindel could see soldiers preparing for battle, setting up the first line of defence for the city. Behind them, sounds of fighting could be heard, but Glorfindel closed his ears to the carnage and concentrated on keeping Erestor safe.

Glorfindel slowed their pace as they came closer to the soldiers. One, clearly of an important rank, though which, Erestor had no idea, came forward to gain Glorfindel’s attention. The lord complied and pulled his horse to a standstill.

“Report?” Glorfindel urged the soldier.

“My Lord, King Turgon has ordered the evacuation of the city and all armies have been called to prepare for battle. All civilians have been told to escape through the tunnels, but panic is fierce and many are creating chaos for those trying to ensure the city is emptied. From what I have heard, many are fleeing towards the mountains, whether they are passable or not,” the soldier said.

“And my army, where is that stationed?” Glorfindel asked.

“Your army is currently taking orders from Lord Ecthelion as your whereabouts were unknown. They have gathered at the main square of the House of the Fountain and are the second last line of defence for the city.”

“Very well. Do your best here. Hold them off for as long as you can, the lives in this city depend on it. May the Valar protect you all,” Glorfindel shouted his last sentence for all the soldiers to hear. With one last glance to the soldier, giving him a small, fortifying nod, Glorfindel spurred his horse into movement once more. They travelled past the soldiers for a few more minutes before they reached the first buildings. The area was thankfully deserted, but as they continued moving through the city, they began catching up to the slower moving people. Still, they were able to move past the next group of troops readying for combat without hindrance. Soon after, however, Erestor and Glorfindel discovered first-hand what the soldier outside meant.

There were people running everywhere, children crying in the streets as their parents roughly pulled them along, others were pulling heavily loaded carts through the streets, blocking others’ progress. Glorfindel growled at how stupid some people could be. Glorfindel called for everyone to make way, but few did and he reluctantly dismounted his horse. Erestor remained where he was, as Glorfindel forced his way through the crowd, pulling his horse and its precious cargo with him. Any fools with carts or luggage he passed, he ordered them to the leave everything except food behind. Whether they listened or not, he didn’t have time to find out, he just wanted to show he cared for the lives these carts were obstructing.

He moved forward through the third lot of soldiers and continued on to the main square situated in the House of the Fountain. The soldiers were ready for combat, however, in order to let everyone past, were situated off to the side until they would be needed to fight. Ecthelion sighed in relief and grasped Glorfindel’s arm in a brotherly fashion.

“Thank the Valar! I have been worried for you since I had heard you had been missing since before dawn this morning! And now this…” Ecthelion swept his arm around the people vacating the city. “The eagles say the forces are strong enough to wipe us out,” Ecthelion said, almost questioning Glorfindel’s judgement.

“They will level the city,” Glorfindel said despondently. Ecthelion felt his skin go cold and dropped his gaze, saying nothing. “Listen,” Glorfindel grasped the dark elf’s shoulders firmly, “all that matters now are the lives of these people. There is some time still before the enemy arrives here. Keep everyone moving as quickly as possible. The longer we can stall Melkor, the more lives we can save!”

Ecthelion looked at Glorfindel and smiled sadly, nodding his head in understanding.

“Good, now I need to escort my friend here to the caves, then I shall return and together we shall do battle,” Glorfindel promised.

“No, King Turgon heard of your disappearance and has decided that I shall command your forces. You are to go to the tunnel in his palace. So few know of it, even less of its exact location that they should be virtually deserted. There, you are to catch up to Idril and her family and protect them at all costs,” Ecthelion informed him.

“Turgon expects me to leave the city while it still stands to protect three people?” Glorfindel exclaimed.

“Four,” Ecthelion said gently and lifted his eyes to Erestor. Glorfindel turned around to see a fatigued Erestor, still holding onto his frightened kitten. Glorfindel’s heart ached at how small Erestor seemed atop such a large animal and knew immediately he would not let this fragile being out of his sight.

“Very well then. Do you know where this tunnel of Turgon’s is?” Glorfindel asked.

“Of course,” Ecthelion answered.

“Good. Wait three minutes then start sending a portion of the people towards them. There is a village to the far south of here where the enemy is already rampaging through. When the townspeople come through here, look for an elf riding upon a light brown mare. He is my height with dark hair, his name is Earane. Tell him to go the King’s tunnel and that he will find his son along there,” Glorfindel instructed.

“I shall,” Ecthelion answered easily.

“Thankyou,” Erestor said wearily, but heartfelt.

“Take care of my troops, I expect them back in one piece,” Glorfindel ordered.

“That will make quite a spectacle,” Ecthelion lamely joked. Glorfindel smiled sympathetically. He moved forward and embraced his dear friend.

“Fight well, and do not do anything stupid,” Glorfindel said.

“When have I ever?” Glorfindel smiled glumly again. “See you on the other side.”

“Farewell,” Glorfindel said and finally began moving away.

Once again he moved through the crowd, fighting his way past everyone. For several excruciatingly long minutes he led his horse and Erestor until the masses became so packed in they could move forwards no further. Glorfindel urged his horse into a nearby alleyway.

Glorfindel pulled his horse to a standstill and immediately held his hands out for Erestor.

“We have gone as far as we can with Asfala. It has already taken us too long to get even here.”

Erestor kept one arm wrapped around his cat, and held the other out to Glorfindel. The lord helped Erestor off the horse and just as he landed a screech sounded not far off and the earth beneath his feet trembled. “They’re close,” he breathed.

“They have reached the first group of soldiers,” Glorfindel said, a frown marring his face.

“My father! Would he have made it in time?” Erestor asked almost hysterically. His eyes looked desperately into Glorfindel’s and silently begged for reassurance. Glorfindel stared at those dark, fathomless and scared orbs, wanting to give him the answer he sought. But running from the truth would help no one.

“We shall know soon enough. But come, we have lingered too long,” Glorfindel walked around his horse. He petted the nose gently and looked sombrely at the animal. “Foul creatures are coming and they will kill anything that moves. You are strong and unafraid, I know this, but I also know they mean you ill though you have never met. I cannot allow this for one so brave and true as you. Run, run into the wild and be free. Do not look back and survive. Just survive,” Glorfindel laid his head on the horse’s and rubbed either side of the snowy head. “Now go,” he said, standing back and pointed a finger down the empty alleyway. The horse looked at his finger questioningly, and then turned its head to watch Glorfindel closely. “GO!” Glorfindel shouted, his eyes welling over. The large warhorse lowered his head, as though bowing to its master, and without any preparation hastened into a gallop. Glorfindel stared after his faithful friend until the magnificent white beast turned the first corner and disappeared.

“Let’s go,” Glorfindel grabbed Erestor’s hand and immediately set off down the alley. Erestor tried to keep up but Glorfindel’s longer legs and fast pace had him out of breath quickly. Not looking where he was going, Erestor tripped over an uneven cobblestone, losing his footing and fell to the ground. Luckily, Lenwe leapt from his arms halfway down and was uninjured. Erestor landed hard with a heavy thud onto the pebbled pathway.

“Erestor!” Glorfindel cried in alarm. The blonde kneeled and petted the dark head worryingly. “Erestor?” Erestor slowly raised his head and looked at Glorfindel, tears in his eyes.

“I can’t. My ankle- it hurts. Just leave me. I will wait, for father…go,” Erestor puffed out.

“I will not leave you,” Glorfindel proclaimed, rolling Erestor onto his lap.

“I will only slow you down,” Erestor protested.

“Even if you are my death, I will not leave you to Morgoth,” Glorfindel said, and easily stood, Erestor’s light form draped over his arms. He sped off quickly, ducking between houses and using the back alleyways to avoid the masses escaping the city, the dark kitten trailing behind. By going around the streams of people all milling towards the House of the Mole’s escape passages, he was able to reach the king’s palace far quicker than had he tried going through them. Along the way he found a few stragglers and those that had been separated from their families here and there, and now a crowd of thirty-odd citizens were with him, racing towards the King’s secret tunnel.

They entered the King’s palace and made their way downstairs, descending into the mountain Gondolin was built on. Glorfindel led the people through the labyrinth of corridors before they came to stand before a door, which seemed no different from any of the others they had passed, except for the faint whistling of wind that could be heard coming from the crack at the bottom of the door.

“Open it,” Glorfindel demanded to no one in particular and stood aside, re-positioning Erestor within his arms. Lenwe, whom now was positioned on Erestor’s stomach, mewled in discomfort. But Erestor petted the poor kitten until he settled. Erestor, however, made no protest to the jostling, too sore and worried for his father to care, his head resting upon Glorfindel’s shoulder. The lord looked down at the pale face, concerned, and subconsciously tightened his hold upon the light body. “How are you feeling?” Glorfindel whispered.

“Tired…and cold,” Erestor shivered at the gust of wind that came barrelling down the tunnel as the door was opened.

“Try to bear it, just for a little longer,” he soothed, kissing the dark head. “We need a light, someone take a torch from the sconce on the wall,” he ordered to the others gathered around him. A lady, closest to the nearest torch, pulled it from the wall.

“I shall retrieve another!” a boy nearing his majority said, eager to please Glorfindel.

“NO! We need to leave lights for any others that may come this way,” Glorfindel said. “Does anyone here know how to wield a sword?”

“I can, though it has been many years since I have,” an elf, dressed much like a farmer said at the back of the group.

“I’m learning!” the lad from before offered. “And I have my sword here,” he pulled his weapon from its sheath.

“Good, then you shall bring up the rear in case anything approaches from behind. And you sir, I want you up the front for when we exit the tunnel, just in case. You may take my sword,” Glorfindel indicated and allowed the stranger to remove his most prized possession. “But let someone else lead so you are not burdened with the torch as well.”

“Ah, would it not be better if you led, my lord? I am more than willing to take your charge if you wish it,” the stranger offered.

“There may be a time when I will fight, but it will not be necessary until we exit the tunnel at least. Now, we should all keep close together and stay as quiet as possible. If there is suddenly a change in direction or a step in the tunnels, those at the back shall need to be warned of it. Also, the princess and her family took this route, so let me know if we catch up to them. Are there any questions?” Glorfindel asked. When none were uttered, he nodded. “Then let’s go.” Glorfindel stood outside the door, allowing most to enter the tunnel before he joined them.

“Be sure to close the door behind us,” Glorfindel called back just as the last elf entered through the doorway. The passageway was thrown into darkness except for the single light bobbing along the low ceiling. With their naturally sharp eyes, most elves could see through the darkness and were able to navigate their way through the tunnel easily. However, Glorfindel was part of the last few elves and the light had dispersed considerably. Barely able to see, his movements were slow and cautious, careful to avoid the walls and injuring Erestor.

Noticing this, the elf in front of Glorfindel whispered back to his lord, “If you would like any help I can carry him for a while,” the unknown elf looked pointedly at Erestor.

“Thankyou, but he is not heavy. Though there may be a few tight squeezes along the trail, in which case I may require your assistance.”

“Very well,” the stranger replied and said no more.

Together, the group moved through the darkness, the single torch nearly extinguishing many times due to the breeze coming through the passageway. Slowly, they made their way through the mountain. Glorfindel kept a tight hold on his charge. Three times now he had regretfully handed Erestor over to the elf in front, unable to move within the narrow channel while holding his charge.

As they edged further along in the near dark, the wind became stronger and the temperature dropped. Not that the chilly air affected any of the elves walking towards the outer edge of the mountain Gondolin was built upon, except Erestor. He clung to Glorfindel for any warmth he could find, shivering within the lord’s hold. The blonde held him closer still, whispering words of comfort.

Suddenly a loud roar sounded along the tunnel, coming from a source far too close for comfort. With it a strong gust a wind soared down the passage and extinguished their torch. The group stopped moving, unsure of what to do. People began whispering to their neighbours, arguing in secret what should occur next. In front, a commotion began and new voices joined those of Glorfindel’s group.

“What is happening up there?” Glorfindel called, slowly pushing his way past others to reach the front.

“Glorfindel, is that you?”

“Idril?”

“Yes, it is I. I am so glad you have come, but we must go back,” she said.

“Why?”

“There is a fork in the tunnel in another fifty metres. The right leads to the base of the mountain, but there has been a cave-in and it is unpassable. The left tunnel opens out upon the mountainside, however there is a dragon patrolling the area. I doubt it has seen the passage exit, nor the path leading away from Gondolin as they are both well hidden; however he continues to fly around this area, returning approximately every fifteen minutes,” she explained.

“Is that long enough to reach some cover?” Glorfindel asked, noticing Idril’s son resting upon her hip, shivering in fear. Glorfindel’s heart went out to the boy and instinctively squeezed Erestor in silent comfort.

“We do not know. One did go ahead to find out; however we waited four passings of the dragon for him to return to us and he still has not. We thought it best to return and find some other escape route.”

“And since this fellow left, has the dragon changed its pattern?” Glorfindel asked.

“Nay, it has not. Which could mean it did not find the elf that left; however the plan was for him to return to us and let us know if it was safe. The fact that he hasn’t…” Idril left her words hanging in the air.

“Then I shall try,” Glorfindel said determined.

“No,” Idril tried, but Glorfindel levelled her with a glare.

“Come, take me to the mouth,” Glorfindel ordered. They continued through the darkness, which grew lighter with every step until they reached the exit. There was a sharp turn at the end of the tunnel with a small hole in the far corner, barely large enough for an elf to crawl through. To outsiders it would look like a shallow hole in the cliff-face. Glorfindel lowered Erestor to the ground, the younger elf holding Lenwe in his arms. Erestor leant himself against the wall, only placing his weight on one foot. Tuor, noticing the elf’s trembling, kindly gave Erestor his cloak.

“I shall wait until the dragon comes by again before I leave. If I am not back by its third return, then you should return through the tunnels. Go back and find another route.”

“Good luck,” Idril said, but was drowned out by the all-too familiar roar. Glorfindel gave the creature ample time to fly away and then left the shelter of the mountain. The pathway outside was little more than the mountain’s natural craggy exterior. Barely a metre wide at its widest point, and little more than foot at its narrowest, with a sudden drop into the gully below, Glorfindel raced along the trail. He soon came upon a large rock with a space hollowed out beneath it. Glorfindel dove and slid beneath the rock. There, he waited for the dragon to fly by once more. His heart was pumping fast and blood rushed in his ears. Eventually, his breathing slowed and evened out, and he began wondering what had happened to the monstrous beast, when a drawing on the rock’s ceiling caught his attention. A minute later, and the creature flew by. Quick as a flash, Glorfindel began the arduous journey back up the mountainside.

~*~

“We are wasting time! If we do not hurry, the other tunnels will be so full we shall have no hope of ever escaping!”

“Lord Glorfindel will be back soon. Trust in him,” Idril tried to calm the scared and irrational troublemakers.

Just then, scrabbling could be heard coming from outside, and a moment later Glorfindel rolled into the tunnel, the sound of the mighty beast occurring a second after the blonde’s entrance.

Glorfindel lay on the ground, huffing and puffing, waving his arm.

“Go,” he wheezed. “The road is safe. No more than ten.”

“How do we know you made it at all?” one person demanded.

Both Glorfindel and Idril levelled the man with a long, hard stare.

“Big rock. Fit ten. Still time, go now. Other elf made it. No time to- come back!” Glorfindel was cut off by a coughing fit.

“Very well, ten people need to leave immediately. Who will volunteer?” Idril demanded. Slowly people began walking to the front and squeezed past Glorfindel and made their way out. The last patted Glorfindel’s shoulder and lay the lord’s sword next to him.

Slowly, Glorfindel’s breathing came under control again and he began speaking.

“I made it to the first point of shelter easily. There were several minutes until the dragon flew by. However, coming back was excruciating. Uphill on such a narrow walkway…I wouldn’t recommend it,” he said with a smile. “Apparently the other elf was not as fit as me. He did not even attempt the return journey, however he wrote inside the rock that he made it safely and would continue on down the mountain.”

“That is good to know, though his desertion does leave him alone and defenceless.”

“And he has an hour’s head-start on us,” Glorfindel remarked. “We should gather the next group together.”

“Are you able to move again?” Idril asked.

“It would be better if I did, though I do not mind waiting a while longer.”

“No, we shall go next. Is there enough room?” Idril moved her head to the side sharply, implying to Erestor.

“Do not concern yourself with that. He is my responsibility,” Glorfindel merely said.

“Very well.” Idril turned to the others and spoke. “Myself, Tuor, Glorfindel, Earendil and Erestor are next to leave. There is room for another five. Who will join us?”

Just then the mountain quaked and dirt from the roof began falling.

“They are in the city!” a panicked cry came forth.

“We need to leave!”

“HURRY!”

“Let us through!”

Glorfindel took to his feet and pushed past Idril and Tuor even as the group of fearful elves sought to drive them towards the entrance. Wielding his sword, he held it up for all those at the front to see.

“Yes, the city has been breached, but seeking escape now shall do no good. It shall be some time before they are able to break through our defences. And this tunnel is known to only a few, so the chances of them knowing about this passageway is slim. We must remain calm and keep our heads. The dragon is sure to come by again soon. Do not lead us all to death by your impatience. Now, we shall be leaving in a moment, and the first five may join us. After that, it is up to you to keep your heads and try not to get us all KILLED!” Glorfindel screamed, waving his sword again for good measure. He slowly backed away and crouched down next to Erestor. “How are you feeling?”

“Tired.”

“We are about to leave. You must gather your strength. I will not be able to carry you down this time,” the blonde said, wiping his hand over Erestor’s cold cheek.

“Not even over your shoulder?” Erestor whimpered.

“I may be able to do that in places, but not all the way. Come, you must be strong for the journey that lies ahead. Can you do that?”

“I will try,” Erestor whispered.

“Good,” Glorfindel sighed and leant against the wall next to Erestor, waiting for the dragon’s approach.

As soon as the horrid guttural call of the winged beast had passed, Glorfindel ushered the others from his group out of the tunnel. Quickly, he helped Erestor escape also and they were soon making their way down the mountain, Lenwe in the lead. They easily made it to the rock, though they were slower than Glorfindel had been the first time. Once the dragon had passed again, they took off once more; stopping wherever there was shelter.

By the time they reached their fourth resting point, everyone was breathless and Erestor was in agony. Glorfindel had carried his love whenever possible, but the steep and rocky terrain made those moments few and far between. Still, they had already made it too far to turn back now. They waited beneath the thick cover of shrubbery. The dragon *should* have passed by now, however had yet to make an appearance. Glorfindel and Idril shared a worried look.

“Wait for me here,” Glorfindel said, then picked up his sword and left the safety of the trees. He made his way forwards and came upon the next group unimpeded. “Have you seen the dragon?” he asked.

“Nay, it has not come in thirty minutes, at least,” one said.

“Very well, continue on. At this moment, we can only assume it has found those coming behind us. There is no need to tarry any longer. Hurry,” Glorfindel ordered. Turning, he quickly ran back up the mountain to Idril and Erestor.

“There has been no sighting of the dragon for some time. It has either found those behind us or has been called away. Either way, we should leave now,” Glorfindel said and helped Erestor to his feet.

They quickly continued down the mountain, heedless of the safe areas they passed along the way. Their group kept moving as fast as possible along the slim mountain path. There was a sharp turn in the cliff-face and those leading were immediately pushed to their death, screaming all the way down. Idril barely escaped the claws grasping for her as she hurriedly pushed her husband back. From around the corner the dragon flew and stopped in mid-air, hovering as he watched those trying to escape. Glee was written upon his face. Glorfindel was waiting for the beast to make its move when the sound of scrabbling came from further up the pathway. Glorfindel could only turn in horror as he watched a balrog, barely maintaining its footing, come into view. The roar it let out thundered in everyone’s ears. Glorfindel slowly raised his sword and practically climbed over Earendil and his parents to meet his foe. The balrog raised its whip and brought it down with such speed and ferocity, the kind of which Glorfindel had never seen before, and was not properly prepared for. He was able to deflect it with his sword, but not before a scar was seared onto his cheek.

“NO!” Erestor called out instinctively. The dragon’s eyes swung from the duel occurring to the others, now inching their way backwards, while the one at the end tried to push against them.

Unwilling to let his comrade have all the fun, the dragon took a deep breath and blew a fierce stream of fire out upon the mountainside, halting the others from escaping. Truly, it was their own fault for backing up so far that the dark haired one was caught in his flames.

Erestor screamed in agony as his back was seared. Pushing forward with all his might, he fell away from the fire and landed on the ground, barely staying on the path, sobbing as the pain overwhelmed him.

Erestor’s pain-filled wail tore at Glorfindel’s heart, but he knew he could not look away from the balrog, not even for a second. The beast flicked its whip again, but Glorfindel ducked and struck at the animal’s arm.

Earendil’s stomach turned upon the scent of burning flesh reaching his young nose. In rage, he picked up a rock and threw it at the smirking dragon. He got the creature in its eye. The fiery demon let out a cry of pain and quickly drew breath again. However, Earendil was faster and hit the other eye, effectively blinding the animal. The dragon released its pent up breath, little more than smoke escaping from its lungs. Lashing out, the dragon flew vaguely in their direction and turned quickly at the last second, his tail flicking out behind him, much like a whip and clattered against the rocks, barely missing Tuor’s head.

Again, they tried retreating, now the dragon had been blinded, and they carefully picked Erestor up, the poor elf whimpering with every movement. The sound guiding him, the dragon repeated its previous move, this time, however, his tail wrapped around Erestor’s waist and pulled the elf from the mountainside. Screaming, Erestor tried to uncoil the dragon’s tail, while he also desperately held onto the red scales as he dangled helplessly over the chasm.

Glorfindel desperately rushed forward and gave a stunning blow to the balrog before retreating a metre. He heard Erestor’s screams, and against his better judgement, turned his head. He felt his heart stop as he watched Erestor’s frantic eyes lock onto his. Whatever Glorfindel imagined the dragon would do was nowhere near as disastrous as what actually happened in the next few moments. Turning, the creature flew further away before charging back towards them. Again, he changed course at the last minute, but his tail flicked out, and Erestor flew into the solid cliff-face, bouncing off it with a sickening thud and crack of several bones breaking. Lifelessly, he fell to the pathway and haltered for a moment before gravity overtook his movements and he fell over the narrow ledge, his body bouncing and rolling like a rag doll all the way down the cliff-face until he could be seen no more.

Glorfindel screamed Erestor’s name as the broken body fell out of sight. He was so distraught, after coming all this way, only to be halted now by the tragedy… A howl to his left brought him back to the present and Glorfindel barely had time to lift his sword, piercing the balrog’s chest as it lunged its large body towards him. Glorfindel pulled his sword free and watched with satisfaction as the balrog’s arms flailed, trying to grasp anything so that it may stabilise itself. Ducking, Glorfindel’s head narrowly missed a clawed hand. But the wind was so fierce upon the mountainside that his loose hair was easily tangled in within the monstrous beast’s grasp and he was pulled over the edge and down to his death. On instinct of the first pull, he released his sword, hoping those left behind would find use of it. Why fight for a life if the one he loves most is gone?

Idril, Tuor and Earendil watched in horror as their hero was pulled to his doom. Only the sound of the dragon charging at them again roused them from their feelings of disbelief. Idril ducked and picked up Glorfindel’s sword. Wordlessly, she passed it to Tuor. The next time the dragon prepared to charge, he threw the deadly weapon into the dragon’s soft underbelly and they watched with some satisfaction as the beast fell to its death below. The way forwards had been cleared.

Glorfindel had indeed protected Idril and her family at all costs. Now he could rest in peace, knowing he had fulfilled his duty and could freely find his mate on the other side.

TBC

AN:
The saddest thing? I've had this chapter finished for YEARS now! So really very sorry everyone. For not uploading it sooner. For not finishing the story. For falling out of the hobby. For not touching my other works. So really very sorry.
There's one more chapter to go in this story and I am days away from finishing it. So hopefully it'll be up in the next two weeks (once my beta has had a chance to go over it).
ATTENTION: Once Blood Bond is complete, I will not be uploading any more stories/chapters to AdultFanFiction. To find where my works are stored, please see my Profile for the link.

Review Responses:
CameoCorbin: Thanks very much for your kind words. I hope you haven't been stressing too hard waiting for this next chapter.

Sione: So I don't think this is the 'happy chapter' you were expecting. Sorry, looks like the curse of Gondolin's fall came to them both :(
I truly hope you find this update. You've been with me the whole way through this story, I'd hate to think you don't get to see how it ends all because of my laziness.

aleabeth: Those evil plot bunnies sure are everywhere in this chapter, huh?

Gemini Stones: Almost 6 years later and I've updated. Hope this eases you somewhat. Sorry for stringing you along. The last chapter will be up in the next few weeks. Promise. And then you'll get the ending.

mikki: So sorry to you too Mikki. There's no excuse, just fell out of writing for a while. Still, the end is nigh and you will have your closure soon enough.

Sorry to everyone who has been reading and waiting ever so patiently for the next chapter. Hope this does not disappoint.
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Blood Bond