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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
- 8
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The Gift
by Mirasaui

Part 9: The Bath House

-The Last Homely House, Imladris:
The large indoor bath at the Last Homely House was a marvel in design. Water from a nearby hot spring was piped into two large sunken pools of polished rock set in the center of an immense high-ceilinged room. A third pool to the left contained cool water drawn from artesian wells. Broad steps lined the sides of all three, forming a ledge where bathers could sit comfortably. Chased copper bowls were placed in convenient spots around the pools and held soap, sponges, and an assortment of fragrant oils. Wooden benches lined the walls and two large wardrobes held fresh linen drying cloths and clean robes.
At the northern end of the chamber, a garden containing small trees and fragrant flowers gave a sense of the outdoors and added a splash of colour. In the middle of the garden was a large fountain. It was made of a series of shallow, fluted stone bowls placed at different levels. Water trickled gently over the fluted sides, providing relaxing, soothing sounds that added to the chamber's ambience. The floor was polished stone, but its surface was etched with flowing lines in the shape of leaves and flowers, its slight texture preventing falls from bare feet on a slippery surface. Heated air rose from the two large pools forming a warm mist, which kept the room at a mild temperature year round.
The three warriors found they had the place to themselves. Sweaty leggings and soiled tunics were quickly removed and soon they were relaxing in the warm, soothing water, naked as the day they were born. Elves were not modest when it came to public bathing. All believed in the beauty of the body, and none felt they had reason to hide.
Lindir had been in the baths before with Lord Glorfindel, but never in such a companionable circumstance, and never in such close proximity. He was delighted with the opportunity and could not help but sneak glances at the one who held his affection. For Glorfindel was magnificent. Droplets of water clung to his golden skin, rolled slowly down his muscled chest to melt into the gentle waves that lapped at his trim waist. The ends of his long silky hair, now free from the warrior braids he usually wore, floated like strands of spun gold on the surface of the water, reminding Lindir of the tails of the flashy fish that swam in the pond in Lord Elrond's garden. Under the water Lindir could just glimpse the powerful corded thighs of the warrior's long legs. Glorfindel had the muscle and sinewy build of a warrior, but not the bulk. For his overall frame was slim and lithe, his movements that of a dancer. His was an ethereal beauty and it took Lindir's breath away.
Haldir had a different build that was no less pleasing. Only an inch shorter than the golden blond, but still tall by Elven standards, he did not have the aristocratic lines of the ancient warrior. His shoulders were broad and heavily muscled, a characteristic that was enhanced by his narrow waist and flat abdomen. And the planes of his face followed that of his body. His cheeks were slightly pudgy, and on an elfling would have been called chubby. A large, but straight nose led to the most sensuous lips that Lindir had ever seen on an elf. For like Haldir's cheeks, they were full and rosy. Haldir's forehead was high and broad and it was that and the straightness of his posture that gave him the aristocratic grace that his body thickness belied. His silver-blond hair fell past his waist and shone like mithril. Like Glorfindel's, it fanned like fine silver thread on top of the water. Two warriors so different in look, lovely beyond imagine.
Erestor had spent most of the morning finishing Lord Elrond's report, his only interruption that of his young assistant with his amusing dilemma. Lunch had been a hurried affair, consisting of a cup of hot tea and two apples he had begged from a servant who had passed by his door.
Retiring to his room later that afternoon for a rest, he had been awakened from his short nap by a loud growl from his stomach. He was on his way to the kitchen to see what he could beg from the cooks for a snack, when a commotion in the hall caught his attention. Two Imladris guardians, both out of breath and panting heavily were in a harried discussion with one of the house servants. The servant turned and catching sight of Erestor, directed the elves his way. The advisor recognized Tambor and Garion who had ridden out with the morning patrol. Tambor made quick of his report to Erestor, whose lips soon drew into a taut line. Erestor gestured to the servant to come hither. "Elrond is needed at the healing house, immediately."
The servant bowed and rushed hurriedly away. Erestor touched the shoulder of Tambor. "Go, I will notify Glorfindel." After querying another servant, Erestor quickly headed to the bathhouse.
Feeling ever so much better after their bath, Glorfindel, Haldir, and Lindir were putting on clean robes when Erestor entered the chamber. "Lord Glorfindel," the advisor spoke calmly, "I need a word with you in private." Glorfindel walked over to where Erestor was standing and after listening to the advisor, turned to his friends. "Haldir, I need you to dress quickly and meet me outside my room. You will have to excuse us, Lindir. We shall see you later on tonight." And with that, the seneschal hurried after Erestor, who had already left. Haldir gave the minstrel an apologetic look then quickly followed after the Imladris lords.
Lindir took his time heading back to his quarters. Although he regretted the loss of companionship, he was tired after the afternoon's exercise, and as dinner would not be served for several hours, he would use the time to catch up on his rest. Once inside his room he ran his fingers through his damp hair to remove the tangles then fastened the long locks into a simple plait. He removed the damp robe he had borrowed from the wardrobe in the bath and threw it into a basket on the floor reserved for soiled clothes. He pulled a simple cotton robe from his own closet and after slipping it on, curled up on top of his bed. It was not long before he was deep in reverie.
Sometime later, Lindir was awakened by a soft knock. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes, he moved off the bed, wrapped his robe tightly around him and walked over to open the door. "Lindir," said Glorfindel softly, "may I come in? Receiving a nod from the still sleepy minstrel, the tall warrior stepped inside.
"I need you to sit down, Lindir." Glorfindel again spoke softly as he placed his hand lightly on Lindir's arm and led him to the side of the bed. Once Lindir was seated on the edge, the seneschal sat down next to him so that he was facing the younger elf.
"Lindir, one of the patrol groups had a run-in with bandits this afternoon. The bandits were subdued, but not before some of our elves sustained injury. There were no deaths, but one of those hurt was Tebring. He took a deep axe cut in the leg. Lindir, Lord Elrond did his best, but he could not save Tebring's leg. I am sorry. I know Tebring is a good friend."
Pain and shock filled Lindir's eyes and Glorfindel winced to see it, for it reflected the way he felt inside after seeing the damage the barbarous men had inflicted on the faithful guardian. As a commander, he had to distance himself from the hurt and suffering of his elves, but he could never wipe it away entirely. Tebring was well liked and had been partnered with Lindir and Tambor for a long time. The warrior knew the closeness that grew between elves that depended on each other for survival. To see one of their own so maimed, hurt. Already Glorfindel's heart ached, but he knew that Lindir and Tambor would feel even worse.
"Does he know yet?" Lindir asked his lord. "No," Glorfindel replied. "Elrond gave him a sleeping draught, so he will be out for most of the night. I know you wish to see him, but Elrond has requested no visitors until he is more stable. He is not in danger, but Elrond wants to be there when Tebring awakens, so he can break the news himself."
"What of Tambor?" Lindir inquired of the other elf that worked with them so often on patrol.
"Garion is with Tambor," Glorfindel replied. "They were both participants in the fight. Neither of them was hurt physically, but Garion knows how close Tambor is to Tebring. He will not leave Tambor alone tonight."
"Which brings me to you, Lindir, I do not want you alone with your thoughts tonight either. If you like I shall ask Haldir to stay with you, or if you would prefer someone else, I shall talk to them for you. I am sure you will be able to see Tebring tomorrow and I want you and Tambor to be there for him. He will need both of your strength in the days to come.
"My lord," Lindir asked, his eyes on his hands which were resting in his lap, "would... would you mind staying with me tonight?"
Glorfindel made an effort to keep any expression from showing on his face. He had been so sure that Lindir would ask for Haldir, that the minstrel's request had taken him by surprise. He thought for a moment about refusing, but one look at Lindir's face told him that to do so might hurt the young elf's psyche even more.
"I have errands to which I must attend and I shall need to arrange for dinner to be brought to your room later, but I will be more than happy to stay with you, Lindir. I shall return as soon as I have finished. In the meantime, I am going to ask Haldir to sit with you. Do not worry about Tebring. Healer Anaran and Lord Elrond will watch over him tonight."
"Thank you, my Lord, for telling me about Tebring yourself, and for agreeing to stay. I know you have things to arrange, and I do not mind talking to Haldir for awhile. You are so lucky to have him as your friend, for he has a good heart. I will miss him when he returns to Lothlórien." Lindir smiled. Now that he had come to know the Marchwarden, he realized how silly he had been to be so frightened of him.
"Haldir is a good friend, Lindir. 'More than you know,'" thought Glorfindel. "I will go talk with him and I will see you later on." Glorfindel turned and walked slowly from the room, closing the door quietly behind him.
It was not a few moments later that the door opened again and a worried looking Marchwarden hurried over to Lindir to voice his consolation.
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The Gift