Title: Deny Me Not
Rating: R
Pairing: Glorfindel/Erestor
Author: jenolas
Disclaimer: LOTR belongs to the creative genius of JRR Tolkien, not me.
Summary: Glorfindel's heart belongs to Erestor, but there is
another who would seek to own it, no matter the consequences.

Chapter 1/12

As was customary, all new arrivals to Imladris were warmly welcomed
with a banquet in the dining hall followed by a night of festivities
in the Hall of Fire, and it fell to Erestor to make the required
arrangements. The chief counsellor and head of the household staff
surveyed the empty dining hall with satisfaction. Every last detail
met with his approval. The garlands decorating the walls were hung
in exactly the right places, the tables were set with the best
linens and there were small posies of wild flowers guarding the
places reserved at Elrond's table for the wife and young daughter of
Galin, the new scribe from Lothlorien. The Elf had been honoured to
accept such a prestigious position, offered with Lord Celeborn's
recommendation no less, and was due to begin work the day after the
official welcome.

Pleased that all was in order, Erestor made it his business to offer
a word or two of praise to his assistants and then made his way to
the kitchens to see that all was in readiness for the evening meal.
To his surprise, he found his lover seated at the breakfast table,
quietly sipping a mug of tea.

"Glorfindel! What are you doing here? Should you not be showing
Galin and his family around Imladris?" he asked taking a seat
beside the seneschal and helping himself to some tea and one of the
pastries from Glorfindel's plate.

"And so I was until Elrond took my place," he replied with a grimace
of distaste that confused Erestor.

"Is that rare frown of annoyance I see because Elrond relieved you
of your task, or because you found your companions unpleasant?" he
asked, gently brushing a stray lock of gold back behind a delicately
pointed ear. The frown eased a little at his lover's touch and
Glorfindel lightly kissed the counsellor's cheek.

"Galin and his wife are very likeable, but their daughter is another
matter, there is something about her I do not like." Erestor was
intrigued; he had never heard Glorfindel openly admit a dislike for
anyone, particularly a lovely young maiden like Amien. Certainly
everyone who came to Imladris was immediately smitten with some
level of adoration for the charming and handsome Balrog slayer, but
none with a love as deep and everlasting as Erestor held in his
heart.

"Really? She seems nice enough to me, what is it about the young one
that causes your disquiet?"

"Amien has air of mischief about her that rivals that of Elladan and
Elrohir, and she behaves in a most unbecoming way considering she is
but one year past her majority," he said with a hint of disgust.

"Unbecoming? In what manner?" Erestor asked, easily guessing the
maid had fallen for his lover's charms.

"Let us just say that in a matter of a few brief hours she has
developed an infatuation for me, and is rather forward in seeking my
affections," Glorfindel sighed. Erestor could see that his lover was
becoming distressed by the conversation and decided to continue it
in private.

"Come to our chambers, my golden love. I have a bottle of wine and
an ear willing to listen," Erestor offered. Glorfindel accepted with
a smile and taking Erestor's hand, they walked in silence to the
chambers they had shared for barely a year.

"What exactly happened?" Erestor asked once they were settled in the
armchairs in front of the fireplace with their mugs of wine.

"The brazen young thing kissed me full on the lips as the moment her
parents left us alone!" he declared angrily.

"I have never heard you complain about being kissed before." Erestor
could not help a small smile of mirth even as he gazed into eyes
filled with deep affection.

"But your kisses are so sweet, my love, and the only ones I desire,"
Glorfindel said in a voice husky with need as he leaned forward to
demonstrate just how much. Erestor responded eagerly, turning a
simple brush of lips into a deeply passionate kiss.

"It is not funny, Erestor." Glorfindel glared when they finally
parted to catch their breath and he saw that his lover was still
smiling.

"I am sorry, but I find it so. However no one of her tender years,
nor many of a more suitable age for that matter, should even dare to
try and steal a kiss from you, especially in my presence." Dark eyes
glittered with possessiveness and Erestor assumed a more serious
demeanour as he continued. "Did you not tell Galin what happened
when he returned?"

"Of course I did. The fool did not believe me, and then proceeded to
warn *me* to keep away from the girl!" Glorfindel declared, rising
from the chair to pace angrily in front of the fire. "I was about to
tell him of our betrothal when Elrond caught us arguing and asked me
to leave, assuming the task of guide in my place and allowing me no
chance to explain my ire."

"I see. I am sorry you found yourself in such an unpleasant
situation and think it best you speak with Elrond as soon as
possible. Perhaps even at the banquet tonight?" Erestor suggested
with a raised eye brow. Glorfindel nodded. "Good and I will have a
quiet word with Galin when he reports for work tomorrow." The
seneschal stopped his pacing and reached out to take Erestor's hands
in his, pulling him into a warm embrace.

"Aye, that is sage advice from my wise counsellor, as always. Let us
hope that the matter is soon finished and that all will be forgotten
at the dancing tonight. A pretty young maid like Amien will
undoubtedly attract considerable attention," Glorfindel said as he
bent to claim his lover's lips once more, willing to forget the
incident and mark it as the immature behaviour it seemed to be.

To Glorfindel's immense relief, Amien behaved exactly as he
predicted, and spent the night dancing with many different partners,
including Elladan or Elrohir. There was still tension between
Glorfindel and Galin, but Erestor's talent for diplomacy and the
bottle of Dorwinion he offered to share with the seneschal, saw to
it that the evening passed without further incident.

Although most of the inhabitants of Imladris were aware of Erestor
and Glorfindel's relationship, the betrothed couple were not
normally demonstrative in public, but Erestor deemed such a display
appropriate this night. He was somewhat disturbed to notice that
although Amien seemed fully occupied by her dance partners and the
outrageous flirting of Elrond's sons, Erestor caught the maid
staring at Glorfindel with eyes that spoke of desire and trouble
whenever the Balrog slayer kissed his lover's cheek, or smiled
seductively at the words of love Erestor whispered into his ear.

As the night wore on and the bottle of wine diminished, the lover's
state of arousal increased, and they left the hall for their
chambers and a night of lovemaking. Many pairs of eyes followed
their retreat, all but one, which were darkened with jealousy,
smiling with happiness for the lovers.

**************

Several days passed free of incident, other than the maid's
solicitous behaviour towards Glorfindel, particularly at meal times
when she saw to it that his cup was never empty and that his
favourite dishes were always to hand. The seneschal, ever aware of
his lover's comforting presence as their hands or knees brushed,
always smiled and thanked her politely, unknowingly encouraging her
to continue her pursuit.

Amien was soon often seen at the training grounds, watching the
seneschal spar with his warriors, or visiting his office afterwards
seemingly to engage in polite conversation, but this last time
arriving just as Glorfindel was changing his tunic. The seneschal
was already somewhat embarrassed by the unwanted attention and the
remarks regarding his fidelity that he occasionally overheard, and
but now realised that it was time to try and discourage the maid
with his words.

"Amien, walk with me in the gardens, I wish to speak with you," he
said one day after she had again come uninvited to his office.

"It would be my pleasure, Glorfindel," she replied, her eyes alight
with delight, and carefully disguised lust. She reached for his
hand, and frowned slightly as Glorfindel pulled away, walking
briskly ahead to avoid further contact. Amien followed in silence.

"I think this will do, please be seated," he said, indicating the
stone seat in the middle of one of the larger gardens where they
could easily be seen by anyone who happened to be walking by. A
precaution Glorfindel was astute enough to deem necessary.

"What is it you wish to say?" Amien asked, ignoring the request and
moving to stand close enough to put her arms about Glorfindel's
waist. The seneschal was alarmed by this action and gently pried her
arms loose.

"Amien, it is totally unacceptable for you to enter my office
unannounced, particularly when I am changing my tunic," Glorfindel
stated as he stood with his arms folded across his chest.

"You could always lock the door," she observed with a wicked gleam
in her eye.

"If you had any sense of propriety I should not need to," he
retorted angrily, annoyed with him because she was right of course,
but the thought had simply not occurred. "Be that as it may, I am
unable to return your obvious affection for me, my heart belongs to
another," he stated candidly.

"Adar told me you are betrothed to Lord Erestor, but can I do
nothing to change your mind, my lord?" she whispered, the warmth of
her sultry breath brushing against his ear. Had the words come from
the only one he desired, they would have elicited a pleasant
sensation, but the object of his lust was not this wanton maid.

"Nay, and I urge you to reconsider this unseemly behaviour towards a
bound Elf, please refrain from attempting such intimate touches," he
replied, too late realising it had been a mistake to approach this
one on her own when he took a step away and she followed, her eyes
now dark with awakening desire.

"Oh, but you are not wed yet, and thus remain unbound and I want you
so very much," she answered, grasping a handful of golden silk and
pulling a momentarily startled Glorfindel's mouth to hers. Their
lips did not touch as he angrily threw his head backward, leaving a
few golden strands of hair wrapped around the maid's fingers.

"Your naivetéé is understandable, for one as young as you can know
nothing of love's song. My heart is already bound forever to
Erestor's. You must seek to satisfy your needs elsewhere," he
replied, anger flashing in his eyes and unable to bear her presence
any longer.

"If you leave you will be sorry," she warned, as he turned and
walked away, the tears and pain of rejection adding to the hardness
in her voice.

"Do as you will, I care not!" The seneschal hissed over his
shoulder, finally losing his temper and laughing derisively at the
immature threat.

Chapter 2/12.

Glorfindel was still seething with anger at the young maid and had
barely gone a few more paces when a sweet voice called him to a halt.

"'Tis a pity to mar such a lovely summer's day with the dark storm
clouds I see in your eyes, dear Glorfindel," said Celebríían as she
stepped into view carrying a basket filled with some of the roses
she had been tending in one of the smaller gardens.

"I have good reason for my foul mood, my lady," he stated through
gritted teeth.

"I know." Glorfindel raised an eyebrow in query at the simple words
of understanding.

"I am afraid I overheard the whole unpleasant encounter, and I have
a mind to remind that that young maid of the meaning of moral
behaviour," Celebríían stated with an exaggerated air of dignity that
made Glorfindel smile.

"Then I suggest you keep your lusty sons away from her until you
do," he teased, his words earning him a playful slap on the chest.

"I already spoke to them on this matter when they so kindly offered
to keep her too busy to be bothered with you." Glorfindel could well
imagine how Elladan and Elrohir would keep a pretty young maid
occupied, and could not help but wonder whether Amien would even be
affected by their attempts at seduction. The Balrog slayer was
worldly enough to know a very determined lady when he met one, and
he thoroughly disliked being the object of her desire.

"However, I can not allow them to feign interest and possibly hurt
the maid's feelings in the process," she was explaining as
Glorfindel refocussed his attention on his current surroundings.

"Ai, Celebríían, you are as compassionate as you are beautiful,"
said the seneschal as he kissed her cheek with friendly
affection. "Maybe Erestor should try reasoning with her?"

"My dear Glorfindel, surely you are not serious? As fearsome as we
both know Erestor can be when a young one needs scolding, I am
afraid he is the last one who should approach Amien. Certainly your
betrothed has every right to express his displeasure, but since she
views him as a rival I doubt that she would heed anything he had to
say."

"Perhaps she would listen to the Lady of Imladris?" Glorfindel
suggested, eager to have the situation resolved. "I would be
grateful if you would attempt to make her see the error of her
ways."

"A wise suggestion now seems like a most opportune moment and if you
will permit me, I would like to offer you some advice in return,"
she said, taking two red roses from her basket.

"I think it will do wonders for your spirit if you take one of these
lovely roses to Erestor and use it, and perhaps the offer of a
picnic in that romantic little spot by the waterfall, to entice him
out of that stuffy library for the rest of the day." Her wicked
smile and suggestively raised eyebrows made the intent of the words
she did not say plain, as the seneschal's equally suggestive wink
intimated.

"Now that is a very appealing idea, especially if I can also entice
him out of his robes." Glorfindel mused, his eyes darkening with
longing rather than anger, knowing from long years of friendship,
and a like sense of humour, that his candid comments would not
offend.

"Somehow I doubt that will present a problem, as long as you do
likewise," Celebríían giggled, as always enjoying the slightly erotic
tone to their banter.

"But what of the other bloom?"

"Give it to Elrond, he will know the meaning," she replied
mysteriously.

"And what might that be, although I think I can guess," Glorfindel
teased, causing a delicate blush to colour Celebríían's cheeks at the
innuendo.

"All I will say is that there is a reason why I did not suggest you
spend the afternoon in the glade by the stream," she admitted with a
mischievous smile. "Now be off with you. Go and find your beloved
whilst I see what I can do to dissuade your unwanted suitor."

"I wish you success in that endeavour my lady," Glorfindel said, his
scepticism obvious in his raised eyebrow. With a gallant bow as he
lifted a delicate hand to his lips and kissed it lightly, then
disappeared along the pathway that lead to the house and Erestor,
apparently oblivious to the fact that he and Elrond's wife had not
been alone.

**************8

Celebríían had been well aware of the intense scrutiny she and
Glorfindel had been under during their brief conversation and
without invitation she walked over to the stone bench and sat beside
the tearful young maid. Amien eyed her new companion warily, and not
without a hint of envy for the display of easy affection she had
witnessed between the two elder Elves.

"I know you are very fond of Glorfindel, but why do you keep making
such improper advances to one who is betrothed to another?"
Celebríían asked, coming straight to the point. The maid's face lit
with a brilliant smile at the mention of the seneschal's name.

"I love him, my lady," she replied. It was the simple truth and
stated plainly.

"So I see, but he does not love you, his heart belongs to Erestor.
Surely you know it is immoral to behave the way you do?" Celebríían
spoke kindly, not wishing to sound accusing.

"They are not wed yet, and I know it is only a matter of time before
I win his heart," Amien replied with confidence and a little
arrogance that served only to harden the Lady of Imladris's attitude
towards her.

"Glorfindel and Erestor have been in love since the day they met
well over a thousand years ago, although they have only recently
admitted it to each other. You are sadly mistaken if you think he
will turn away from Erestor, now or ever."

"I think not. I may be young, but I know my own heart, and it tells
me that he will one day be mine, especially since he is so free with
his affections towards another's spouse," Amien answered with a
pointed look at the basket of roses. She had not heard the
conversation, but had seen the gestures of affection. Celebríían
glared at the insolent young maid, only now fully realising how
frustrated her dear friend must be feeling.

"I need not explain my behaviour to you, but in defence of mine and
Glorfindel's honour, you are deliberately misinterpreting a
friendship based on respect, affection, and aye, even a kind of love
that in no way resembles the love Elrond and I share, nor that of
Glorfindel and Erestor." Celebríían sensed her words had not been
taken to heart by the young one, and searched her mind for another
approach she could take in dealing with this problem. The most
obvious way to gain cooperation from the obstreperous maid quickly
sprang to mind and she had no qualms about employing it.

"Erestor was very impressed by Galen's letter of recommendation from
Adar and he tells me he is pleased with the quality of your adar's
work," Celebríían said with a deceptively casual air. Amien blinked
away her surprise at this unexpected change of subject and met the
ice blue eyes that sought hers warily. She had forgotten that the
Lady of Imladris was the daughter of Celeborn and Galadriel.

"Thank you, my Lady. Adar is very skilled at his craft and I once
heard Lord Celeborn say that his documents were almost works of
art." Celebríían nodded her head in silent acknowledgement as she
sensed the pride Amien felt on hearing such words of praise.
Unfortunately the insincerity in the pretend show of respect did not
escape Celebríían's inherited ability to see into other's hearts and
there was hardness to the cold smile on her lips that sent a shiver
down Amien's spine.

"High praise from Adar indeed and I am sure he would willingly
accept the return to Lothlorien of Galen and his family should your
unacceptable and immoral behaviour towards Lord Glorfindel
continue." Amien paled and her eyes widened with disbelief and fear.

"Please do not send us away my Lady. Adar would be so ashamed to be
sent back to Lothlorien." Amien begged unable to keep her tears from
tracing a path down her cheek.

"He should already be ashamed of your behaviour. I will have Erestor
remind your parents that Imladris is a refuge and a peaceful haven
and whilst there is a certain amount of levity and occasional
questionable behaviour at our celebrations, our residents are
generally expected to obey our laws and customs. Am I understood?"

"Aye, my lady. Do you wish me to apologise to Glorfindel and
Erestor?" Had she believed the offer was a sincere gesture of
remorse, Celebríían would have readily agreed but she doubted very
much that this was so. She still did not trust young Amien.

"Not with words, but by your deeds. Stop your pointless attempts to
steal Glorfindel from Erestor, and behave as a lovely young maid
should," replied Celebríían as she glanced around at the shadows,
estimating that it was almost noon and time to meet Elrond for
their `secret' rendezvous.

"I promise I will behave in a more fitting manner, and will respect
Glorfindel and Erestor's relationship," Amien vowed with a smile for
the Lady.

"As long as it lasts, that is," said the voice of jealousy in her
mind

Chapter 3/12.

Confident that Celebríían would be able to make Amien see the folly
of her affection for him, a much relieved Glorfindel decided he
would follow his Lady's advice and, if necessary, drag Erestor out
of the dark library to enjoy the beauty of the warm afternoon. After
a brief stop at the kitchen to request a picnic for two be prepared,
he cheerfully continued on to the library still carrying the two red
roses.

The door was open as usual, and Glorfindel entered silently, nodding
politely at Elrond when he looked up from his book, sensing rather
than hearing Glorfindel's arrival. The seneschal moved over to his
lord's desk and handed him one of the blooms, winking in
confirmation of the wordless question conveyed by Elrond's raised
eyebrow and the delighted smile on his lips. Indicating he wished
his friend to remain silent, Glorfindel stole over to the bookshelf
where Erestor stood with his back to the door, so totally engrossed
in the volume he was reading that, as Glorfindel had hoped, he was
taken completely by surprise when he approached.

"Guess who?" whispered the seneschal as he placed one hand tenderly
over Erestor's eyes, wrapping the other around his lover's waist as
he drew him close against his chest, pleased to feel the advisor
shiver slightly in his arms when his warm breath brushed against his
ear.

"Surely you have not accepted another dare, Elladan? You know how
angry Glorfindel was when he found out you had touched me in such an
intimate manner." Erestor scolded even as he smiled with easy
recognition for his lover's touch. It had been many weeks since his
beloved had been this playful and he decided to join in the jest.

"I am not Elladan, nor Elrohir!" declared an indignant Glorfindel
without moving his hand from Erestor's eyes. "Do you honestly not
know who I am?" Erestor shrugged slightly as if he did not, even as
he tilted his head back to rest on the strong shoulder, exposing the
more sensitive part of his neck to the ministrations he knew his
lover could not resist.

"I do believe you sound like my Balrog slayer, but perhaps you
should give me another clue?" suggested the advisor in a husky voice
that convinced Elrond his two friends would likely prefer to
continue their `game' in private. As he turned to close the door on
his way out he saw Glorfindel trailing soft kisses down Erestor's
jaw to the base of his neck and he immediately decided to find
Celebríían and bestow upon her a similar gesture of love.

As the kisses turned to gentle nips soothed by the touch of a moist
tongue, Erestor moaned his desire. "Ai, Glorfindel! It can only be
your lips that set my blood on fire so!"

"Aye, `tis I my love," whispered Glorfindel as he removed his hand
from the eyes he knew without looking were glittering dark with
desire and love, just as were his own. Erestor turned to face his
lover, and for an instant before their lips met in a kiss that was
both fiercely passionate and intensely loving, their gazes locked
allowing their love for each other to be reflected from the very
depths of their souls. For uncounted beats of their hearts, they
remained so, oblivious to everything but their shared song, until
finally they separated and Erestor looked hastily over Glorfindel's
shoulder to Elrond's desk, expecting to see a rather embarrassed
Lore Master.

"Where is Elrond?" he asked as he once more sought Glorfindel's lips.

"Celebríían requested his presence, with one of these," the Balrog
slayer answered as he bent down to pick up the rose that had fallen
forgotten to the floor in the moment of passion. Erestor smiled
knowingly, he had delivered such an invitation from Celebríían to
Elrond for a secret tryst on several occasions in the past.

"Then I expect we will not see either of them before the evening
meal," he said. "Did she say where they were meeting?"

"In the glade, and she suggested that we should take advantage of
the fine weather spend the afternoon by the river," said Glorfindel
as he handed Erestor the rose.

"Are you by any chance trying to proposition me?" the advisor asked
as he accepted the rose and took a moment to savour the sweet aroma
of the flower.

"Well, I did have thoughts of a refreshing swim, and the image of
you emerging from the water certainly leads my thoughts in other
directions," said Glorfindel as he casually started to unlace
Erestor's robe so that he could have better access to the enticing
pale skin of his lover's chest.

"I can think of nothing I would rather do than spend the rest of the
day with you," replied the advisor sincerely, earning himself
another loving embrace.


The lovers collected their picnic lunch and holding hands as they
walked, they made their way leisurely to the secluded spot on the
river bank. The conversation had been light and focussed on daily
events at Imladris, and although the barely perceptible flicker of
distress in the bright eyes of his lover did not pass unnoticed by
the ever observant advisor, Erestor did not query Glorfindel until
they had settled comfortably in the shade of one of the trees that
grew close to the river.

"Tell me what happened, Glorfindel. Did Amien kiss you again?" he
asked as he tenderly reached up to stroke a slightly creased brow
that appeared when Glorfindel nodded his reply.

"She tried to, and she became angered when I rejected her advances,"
he told Erestor, allowing his own annoyance and growing intolerance
for the situation to show. "I have never before met such a
persistent suitor."

"At least that is the one motivation that I can understand. Was I
not persistent?" Erestor asked coyly. It had taken several centuries
of constant assault to finally break down the barriers around
Glorfindel's heart.

"Aye, and I was a fool to resist your advances as long as I did,"
admitted Glorfindel with some measure of regret.

"Even had I not yet succeeded, I would have continued trying until
the end of Arda. There is no one else my heart desires more than
you, my glorious Balrog slayer," stated Erestor as he reached to

"As my heart desires only you, my love, and I fully intend to make
up for lost time," Glorfindel added as he pulled Erestor down into
his arms, claiming first his lips and then his body in a slow, yet
passion filled act of love.

"Perhaps the foolish young maid will listen to me?" Erestor
suggested some time later as they lay together basking in the
aftermath of their pleasure.

"Nay, Celebríían thought it unwise, and instead she offered to speak
to Amien. She was about to do so when I left her in the garden,"
replied Glorfindel as he rained little kisses over Erestor's naked
chest, smiling with delight as his lover squirmed and moaned with
renewed desire. He increased the fervour of his ministrations,
moving slowly towards Erestor's arousal.

"Then let us hope that Celebríían can convince her that. you. are...
mine. GLORFINDEL!" Erestor panted as his body found release.

***********


With skills learned from the Galadhrim of her former home, Amien
moved through the unknown woods in search of Glorfindel and Erestor.
As soon as she heard the Lady Celebríían tell Glorfindel to take
Erestor on a romantic picnic, the young maid had been determined to
follow them, in the hopes of learning something she might find
useful in her quest to win Glorfindel's heart. Of course she would
have to be far more discrete now that her Adar's position was under
threat from her behaviour, but she was still determined to have the
handsome Balrog slayer as her lover.

The sound of her rival's voice raised in ecstasy echoed in the still
air and acted as a beacon leading the maid to the clearing where the
lovers lay still entwined in each other's arms. Hiding behind the
bushes, and unnoticed by the two elder elves, she watched with tears
of jealousy as Glorfindel eagerly accepted the pleasuring of his
body that Erestor offered.

Amien found she was no longer able to deny that there was deep love
and passion between the two, but so had there been between her and
her beloved in Lothlorien, or so she had believed until another had
stolen his heart. In her grief and anger following their betrothal,
Amien had refused to heed the many attempts, even the one by
Galadriel, to convince her that had a true bond of love existed
between her and the one she believed loved her, it could not have
been broken, not even by death. As far as she was concerned, any
bond could be broken, and after all the heartache she had suffered
she knew she deserved the happiness Glorfindel would be certain to
provide. All she had to do was find a way to convince him he was in
love with her, not Erestor.

Chapter 4/12

Finally deciding she had seen and heard enough, Amien left the
lovers to their privacy and stole quietly away, her imagination
busily occupied with trying to devise another way to win
Glorfindel's heart. It was apparent that a more subtle approach was
required, but as yet no suitable idea had presented itself. She
wandered back to the garden, and spent the rest of the afternoon in
quiet contemplation, becoming ever more annoyed as she was forced to
admit just how difficult the task she had set for herself would be.
Amien was so lost in thought that she neither noticed that twilight
was upon her, nor did she hear the approach of another until she was
startled by the gentle touch of a hand on her shoulder.

"Amien, your Adar and I wish to have a few words with you," said
Inilwen, the maid's naneth who had come in search of her daughter
when it was apparent she had missed the evening meal. The sternness
in the normally soft spoken voice warned Amien that all was not well
so she simply nodded and silently accompanied her naneth to her
parent's chambers, the outer room of which was a small sitting room
that was also used as a study.

"You wished to speak with me, Ada?" she asked, taking a seat as
Inilwen closed the door so that they would not be disturbed.

"Aye. Your naneth and I were most distressed to learn from Lady
Celebríían that, despite your promise to us that you would not do so,
you were again attempting to force your affections on an unwilling
Lord Glorfindel." Galen stated, glaring at his daughter with cold
fury in his eyes.

"But he has been so kind to me lately, I thought it was a sign of
his attraction to me," replied Amien succeeding in sounding totally
innocent and allowing her own eyes to fill with tears, a ploy she
often used to soften her Ada's anger, but one that had no effect
this time.

"Nay daughter it is not. Lord Glorfindel treats you no differently
than he does any of his acquaintances," said Inilwen as she placed a
comforting hand on Amien's shoulder. "I know you would wish it
otherwise, but he and Erestor are betrothed, and will be wed on
Midsummer's Eve."

"So soon?" Amien could not hide the distress that this news
heralded. It was but two short months to the wedding she needed to
prevent if she were to have Glorfindel as her own.

"Aye, you must not only accept that fact, but respect it as well.
Lady Celebríían has made it plain that any more inappropriate
behaviour from you towards Lord Glorfindel or any bonded Elf for
that matter, will be very poorly regarded and may lead to our
shameful return to Lothlorien." Galen said, exchanging a concerned
glance with his wife as they both sensed something of their
daughter's inner turmoil.

"So she threatened me also, and although it will be difficult, I
will try very hard to remove my love for him from my heart," replied
Amien meekly, choosing her words carefully to dispel the storm of
anger she could see brewing on Galen's face from bursting forth.
Whereas Inilwen was sympathetic to Amien's predicament, and did not
wish to see her daughter suffer any more heartbreak, Galen was more
sceptical and disposed to distrust her words. That she believed she
was in love with Glorfindel he had no doubt, but her lack of respect
towards the betrothed couple was a serious breach of morality that
he could not condone.

"I could hope for a little more sincerity from your promises, and a
little less deception in your words," admonished Galen as he handed
Amien a small cloth with which to dry her eyes.

"You may not agree with us, Amien, but you are still very young and
unknowing of matters of the heart. I am certain you only think you
are in love with Glorfindel and the sooner you realise that he
belongs to another and that you must seek your love elsewhere, the
happier we all will be, yourself included. Besides are there not
many attractive, unbound Elves in Imladris from which to choose?"
Inilwen asked consolingly. Amien looked extremely doubtful but held
her tongue. The thought that there was none more attractive than
Glorfindel was plain to read on her face and roused Galen's anger
once more.

"However, since you have difficulty keeping your word to us, and
your thoughts from ways of seeking affection from one who is
unattainable, I find myself in agreement with Lord Elrond and
Erestor..."

"You spoke with Erestor. about my feelings for Glorfindel.?" Amien
interrupted, horrified to find such intimacy had been so freely
discussed with her adversary. Galen was unmoved by the resurgence of
tears that were borne of genuine anger and hurt.

"Aye, Erestor, Elrond and I had a brief conversation at the evening
meal which you failed to attend." There was no mistaking the
reprimand as Galen continued. "When Glorfindel arrived, I also
apologised to both he and the advisor for your inappropriate
advances," Galen stated succinctly, his ire returning at the memory
of the rather embarrassing moment preventing him from keeping the
harshness tone out of his voice. All three had been willing to
forgive the young one's unseemly behaviour, however Galen saw no
reason to mention that Erestor had also been more flattered than
offended that his lover was the object of such affection, and had
graciously conceded that Amien was behaving much like any elf who
had just reached their majority.

"Just what was it that you agreed that I would do, Adar?" Amien
asked angrily as she recalled the rest of Galen's words.

"I agreed that perhaps you needed something to do to keep your mind
occupied elsewhere and asked for suggestions. When I mentioned your
talent with herbs, Lord Elrond was very impressed and is expecting
you to report to the Healing Hall in the morning to continue the
training you began in Lothlorien."

"Under his and Erestor's watchful eyes no doubt." Amien said
sullenly.

"Amien! Do not speak so disrespectfully of your elders." reprimanded
Inilwen.

"Lord Erestor is not a healer, and even if he were you would still
be expected to attend," added Galen.

"As you wish, Ada," replied Amien with a pleased smile, not because
of her new task, but for the opportunity to deal with Erestor that
had just presented itself.

********

The next day after the morning meal, Amien made her way across the
courtyard towards the Healing Hall, and was surprised to cross paths
with Glorfindel and Erestor who had not been in the dining hall. The
advisor eyed her warily as she neared them, but nodded a polite
greeting even as his betrothed pointedly wrapped an arm possessively
about his waist.

"Good morning, my lords," said Amien with a friendly smile and a
hint of a respectful bow.

"Good morning Amien. I see you are off to the Healing Halls,"
Glorfindel commented, exchanging a not so secret smile with Erestor.
He heartily approved of this particular solution to his problem with
the young maid and had shown his lover just how grateful he was
earlier that morning.

"Aye, Lord Elrond is well known as a healer and I am eager to resume
the training I began in Lothlorien," she said, speaking as if
nothing untoward had passed between her and Glorfindel. "And you my
lord? You are dressed for patrol if I am not mistaken?" she asked
needlessly. Glorfindel was armed with his sword and bow and was
garbed in the tunic and leggings that formed the uniform of his
warriors and was obviously on his way to the stables.

"You are correct. I am leading the patrol to the northern borders,
and will likely be gone for at least a month," replied the captain
of the guard.

"A month! You will return in plenty of time for your wedding, I
trust?" Amien asked the seneschal, her deliberately personal inquiry
designed to provoke a response from the advisor. Erestor was far too
mature and trusted far too deeply in the commitment he and
Glorfindel had made to each other to be bothered by Amien's words,
but he was not unwilling to make his feelings plain to the young
maid.

"Of course he will. Nothing could keep either of us from attending
that eagerly awaited event, is that not so Glorfindel?" Erestor
asked as he turned to face the seneschal so that he could gaze
adoringly into the brightness of the love shining from clear blue
eyes.

"Aye that is so, my love," responded Glorfindel ignoring Amien's
envious glare as he drew his lover into his arms and sealed the
promise with a passionate kiss that lingered long after the angry
maid had stormed off and disappeared into the Healing Hall..

Chapter 5/12.


Glorfindel's duties as Captain of the Guard often took him away
Imladris, but never before had his absence been so keenly felt by
Erestor. The advisor stood alone on the balcony that lead from their
chambers and gazed unseeing across the valley that was shrouded in
the blanket of night, his thoughts turned inwards to the place in
his heart where Glorfindel's song sang the sweetest. The brilliance
of the brightest star caught his attention and he nodded
respectfully to Eäärendil as he sailed across the night sky,
beseeching the Mariner watch over his betrothed and see him safely
returned to the loving arms that awaited him in Imladris. In a
moment of whimsy, Erestor imagined the twinkling of the distant
point of light to be akin to a wink of an understanding eye, an
acknowledgment that even the Valar knew of the love he and the
Balrog slayer shared.

"Be safe, be well my love," he whispered into the still night air
before reluctantly stepping back into the bedchamber he and
Glorfindel shared. The empty bed held no attraction for the advisor,
weary though he was after the long council meeting that had
continued well after the evening meal had been served. Aware that
the combination of hunger and loneliness was likely to keep him
awake all night and knowing he had another equally tedious session
scheduled for the morning, Erestor decided the best course of action
would be to send for a light meal and relax in a warm bath until the
food arrived. Perhaps then slumber would take him.

Without even realising he was doing so, he sprinkled a handful of
Glorfindel's favourite bath herbs rather than his own into the
steaming water, and closed his eyes as he inhaled deeply of the
scent. As he settled into the bath, his body was enveloped by a
feeling of warmth reminiscent of the inner glow he experienced
whenever his Balrog slayer held him close. Allowing his mind to
wander where it willed, Erestor was startled to realise he was
slowly drifting into an unnatural reverie. Not wishing to drown, he
made to rise, and found to his consternation that his limbs felt
very heavy and he was becoming very light headed. With some
difficulty he struggled from the bathing pool, dried himself after a
fashion and stumbled towards the bed, collapsing heavily onto the
side where Glorfindel should be sleeping.

Bearing the tray that was sent from the kitchen Amien knocked
politely on the advisor's door, and smiled with evil content when
there was no answer. Opening the door slightly, she called to
Erestor and, as she had hoped, received no answer. She entered the
chamber in silence and moved stealthily towards the bed. With
extreme caution she reached out to lift the stray lock of hair that
covered the advisor's cheek, drawing her hand back in rage as he
smiled and mumbled Glorfindel's name. Quickly regaining her
composure, she bent closer so that she could speak softly into the
sleeping Noldo's ear.

"Glorfindel is not here, he is not coming back to you," she
whispered.

"Nay, that is not true," moaned Erestor, his brow furrowing in
distress as he began thrashing about. Amien moved back a pace, and
waited to see if he would awaken, but the herbs she had added to
Glorfindel's bathing mixture had the desired effect, and Erestor's
eyes remained glazed in reverie as the book she had found suggested
would happen.

It had taken her over a week to find a few of the rare plants that
were said to have a very strong effect on Elves, making them both
very drowsy as well as highly susceptible to suggestion. It had
been exactly the kind of herb Amien needed for her plan to work, and
she had been very annoyed when Elrond had inadvertently discovered
the plant in her possession. He had promptly insisted it be disposed
of immediately, and his new apprentice had innocently promised a
very concerned Healer that she would do as he ordered, although not
perhaps in the manner he intended. It was unlikely he would have
been pleased to find the potent leaves had ended up in Erestor's
bath.

"I am afraid it is, my lord," she said sweetly. "Do you not recall
the note he sent you with his report to Lord Elrond?" Erestor
struggled to clear the fog from his mind, but to no avail. He
vaguely remembered that when on patrol the seneschal sent regular
reports to Elrond, which also invariably included a private message
for Erestor. He did recall receiving a brief message from
Glorfindel, did he not? An image of the messenger arriving at his
office was very indistinct, and he was uncertain what was real and
what was not, yet as he felt the rough parchment that Amien placed
in his hand, he thought it must have happened.

"Nay.why?" he asked, unable to think clearly in his confused state.
Had he his wits about him, the normally astute advisor would have
immediately enquired as to the reason for the maiden's involvement
in such a personal matter.

"I believe it is all in the letter," insisted Amien, relieved to see
her words accepted with a sigh of exasperation as Erestor shook his
head in a partially successful attempt to focus his eyes. His
frustration and distress became even more apparent when fingers that
had nimbly opened hundreds of missives in the course of duty now
fumbled to unfold the unsealed note. The handwriting was definitely
that of his lover and tears fell freely as he finally managed to
read the heartbreaking words.

"Erestor,

I have had many nights alone to contemplate our relationship and
although I hope we can remain friends, I am no longer in love with
you.

I will move back into my own chambers on my return to Imladris.

Please inform Elrond there will be no wedding.

Glorfindel."


Erestor uttered a single strangled gasp as he lost consciousness and
the letter slipped from almost lifeless fingers to drift unnoticed
to the floor. With a belated show of concern, Amien checked to see
that the advisor was at least still breathing, and satisfied that
her plan was well underway she turned and left the bed chamber,
making sure to sprinkle another handful of dried leaves into the
embers of the dying fire on her way out.

**************

A closed door or an uninvited entrance was no obstacle for Elrond
when it came to his close friends and he knew Erestor would forgive
the intrusion.

"Erestor! Wake up!" The irate Lord of Imladris demanded as he
stormed into the advisor's chamber the next day and proceeded to
shake the Noldo's exposed shoulder. He was a little taken aback to
learn that Erestor slept in the nude, but then with Glorfindel as a
bed partner.well, so be it.

It was well past noon and this was the first opportunity he had to
seek out his tardy friend since it had fallen to the Lore Master to
conduct the council meeting in Erestor's unusual absence. He had
already asked Lindir to find Erestor and when he had no success,
Elladan and Elrohir had been sent to rouse the Noldo who they had
finally assumed was not in his chambers.

Erestor made no move and Elrond's anger turned to concern when he
saw how pale his friend's face had become, and it increased markedly
when he took a limp hand in his own and found it to be ice cold.
Even though he was totally unaware of his surroundings, Erestor was
moaning as if in pain, and his pillow was tear-stained. There was
something seriously amiss with the elf and the Healer in Elrond
quickly asserted itself. After a quick but thorough examination,
Elrond tucked some extra blankets around his friend, and then
hurriedly carried him to the healing hall.

The advisor remained unconscious for several days, and only the
shallow rise and fall of his chest, or the agonised moans and
thrashing about in the throes of his nightmares, indicated that he
had not yet stepped on the path to Mandos. Despite his best efforts,
Elrond knew it was only a matter of time before Erestor would be
lost to the Halls of Waiting, for his condition continued to
deteriorate daily.

After several attempts, Elrond was able to rouse the frail advisor
long enough to take a small sip of the foul smelling potion that
would at least ease the discomfort he was suffering. Erestor coughed
reflexively, then after a few moments seemed to relax into sleep but
not before he whispered in the most heart rendingly sad voice.

"Please do not leave me, Glorfindel."

Elrond's eyebrows rose in surprise as he heard the tearful plea and
although he knew that Glorfindel loved Erestor more than life
itself, such a mistaken belief certainly explained the Noldo's
condition. As a healer, Elrond had only seen this happen on a few
very rare occasions and his own heart filled with sadness as he
realised that his friend was fading.

"I have your tea as you requested, my Lord. What ails Lord Erestor?"
Amien asked with practiced sincerity as she placed the tray she was
carrying on the small table by the door and moved to study the
ailing advisor.

"He is fading and there is nothing I can do to prevent it," replied
Elrond.

"Can an elf die of a broken heart?" she asked with detached
interest, already knowing full well the answer. For a brief moment
Elrond felt a tingle of suspicion in his mind and turned to eye the
young maiden warily.

"It is possible if his grief runs deep, but I will do all that I can
to prevent it. I do not believe for a moment that Glorfindel no
longer loves Erestor, as seems to be the case." There was a subtle
hint of mistrust in his voice as if he sensed that Amien may have
had a part to play in Erestor's current predicament, but there was
no evidence on which to base an accusation. Amien nodded and was
about to enquire further about the condition when a commotion at the
entrance to the healing hall distracted them both.

"Lord Elrond, come quickly. Lord Glorfindel has been badly wounded!"

Chapter 6/12


Although Erestor's condition remained unchanged, Elrond was torn
between his reluctance to leave his patient unattended and his need
to see to Glorfindel. However his instincts and his own sense of
perception were telling him that the maiden was a danger to Erestor,
and that he should not leave them alone, and since he had always
trusted his inner feelings, he heeded the warning. He decided the
most prudent solution would be to request his assistant's aid in
treating Glorfindel, yet when he turned to speak to Amien he was
surprised to find she was no longer in the chamber. Shaking his head
in confusion at Amien's strange behaviour, he made his way swiftly
to the infirmary where Glorfindel had been taken. Elrond was
disturbed to note Amien's presence at the seneschal's side with a
raised eyebrow sudden understanding dawned. She obviously cared
deeply for him, and she had not behaved in a particularly rational
manner since she set eyes on the handsome golden lord, so perhaps
she was even capable of causing Erestor harm. The matter certainly
required further investigation, but at a more appropriate time.

"Glorfindel?" he asked loudly, rousing his friend to consciousness
as he none too gently pushed Amien aside, and indicated with a
gesture that he required Elladan's assistance. The seneschal managed
a weak smile, but his face was soon wracked with lines of pain from
his untreated wounds and Elrond quickly sought to dismiss the others
from the chamber.

"Elrohir, will you please go and watch over Erestor? I will send
word as soon as we know how our valiant Balrog slayer fares." With a
slight tilt of his head, Elrond also wordlessly requested his
younger son to escort Amien from the chamber.

"Of course Adar," Elrohir acquiesced as he took the maiden gently
but firmly by the arm.

Both Elrohir and Elladan had initially been attracted to the
beautiful daughter of Erestor's new scribe, and had unsuccessfully
sought her attention on several occasions. Celebríían had explained
that the maiden was infatuated with Glorfindel, and like their
naneth, they were not at all pleased with her improper behaviour but
they were both confidant that their beloved tutors were well able to
deal with the situation. Besides it was not their place to interfere
however they had promised each other they would do so if necessary.

"Come Amien, I do not believe your assistance is required. Perhaps
you would be kind enough to inform Lady Celebríían of Glorfindel's
injuries?" Elrohir spoke coldly and in a tone of command that gave
the maiden had no choice but to reluctantly allow Elrohir to lead
her from the chamber.


**********************

"I need to see Erestor," were the seneschal's first words before he
fell weakly back against the pillows. He closed his eyes as if to
draw on his inner strength, and then grabbed Elrond's hand. "I need
to see Erestor, now!" Bright eyes filled with an unnamed fear stared
into the Healer's. "Please Elrond! There is something wrong with my
beloved."

"Is that why you were returning to Imladris on your own?" Elladan
asked. He and Elrohir had been the ones to find the seneschal who
had apparently been travelling alone when he was attacked and
strangely there had been no sign of the other members of his patrol.
Glorfindel nodded wearily, what little strength he had left
deserting him as his injuries and inner turmoil took their toll.

"An unwise decision. However, the sooner you allow me to tend to
your wounds, the sooner you will be able to see Erestor," Elrond
commented before he shifted his attention to more immediate
matters. "Elladan if you will?" Elrond asked gesturing for his elder
son to help remove Glorfindel's attire. They washed away the dried
blood and dirt did with well practiced efficiency, ignoring
Glorfindel's grunts of protest and pain as Elrond proceeded to
discover the nature of the injuries.

There was blood pouring from the gaping wound in the seneschal's
right thigh and the broken shaft of a black arrow protruded from his
left shoulder. Whilst Elladan applied pressure and bandages to stem
the flow, Elrond carefully felt the swollen area, hissing with
disgust at the ugly grey colour of the wound that indicated the tip
was poisoned. Fortunately it was not imbedded too deeply, and with a
swift movement, Elrond pulled the barb free. He examined the wound
more closely and breathed a sigh of relief when he ascertained that
the type of poison used was one for which he had a remedy already
prepared. He immediately smeared a liberal amount of the healing
salve into the injury and offered Glorfindel a draught of a potion
that dulled pain. The Balrog slayer accepted and aster a few minutes
was feeling well enough to determine that he was not being told the
entire truth about Erestor.


"Where is he? Why is he not here already?" asked Glorfindel, now
openly displaying his suspicions. Reluctantly Elrond could not help
but answer truthfully.

"You were right to be concerned for Erestor. He is not well." The
words were an understatement and as close to an outright lie as
Elrond had ever uttered, but he had not the heart to say more.

"He is fading, I can feel it," Glorfindel stated with sudden
certainty. Elrond nodded.

"And it is no wonder!" declared Celebríían angrily as she stormed
into the chamber, waving a dusty piece of parchment. "I can not
believe you would do something so cruel to Erestor!"

"What do you mean? I would rather die than cause Erestor a single
moment of grief," replied Glorfindel both confused and hurt by
Celebríían's accusation.

"Then why did you send him this? I found it when I went to your
chambers to collect your morning robe," explained Celebríían.
Glorfindel read the lies written in his own hand and without a
second thought rose shakily from the bed and stood before Elrond.

"Take me to my betrothed now, son of Eäärendil!"

The inner glow of one who had lived in Valinor burned brightly and
the authority in the voice filled with pain and fear for his lover
was not to be denied. The gentle and carefree Glorfindel had
vanished beneath the countenance of the fearsome warrior who had
slain the Balrog, and was now filled with determination to save the
one he loved above all others.

"As you wish, my Lord," said Elrond with the respect he knew this
Glorfindel deserved as his elder and the Lord of a noble House.

Without further hesitation he offered his arm as a crutch to the
unsteady elf and led him to the darkened chamber where Erestor lay
and obeyed the gesture of a single raised hand that indicated he
should remain outside. Moving as quickly as his painful injuries
would allow, Glorfindel limped to the bed and bent to place a loving
kiss on the pale brow of his unconscious lover. Tears filled his
eyes as he cast his eyes over the blue white pallor of Erestor's
skin that matched the ice cold feel beneath his lips. With a sad
sigh, he kissed first the closed eyes, then the finely boned cheeks
and finally the lips that tasted of tears yet did not open to
welcome the sweetness of his lover's tongue. The slight shifting of
a body in the chair opposite reminded Glorfindel that Elrohir was
still present.

"I will tend to Erestor. Leave us now and close the door on your way
out Elrohir," he said with an affectionate smile for the young one.

"Bring him back to us, Glorfindel," whispered Elrohir as he bent to
place a chaste kiss on a cold cheek.

"I will, and if I am too late I will follow him to Mandos, for I can
not live without him," pledged Glorfindel without taking his eyes
from the seemingly lifeless form on the bed.

Elrohir felt a lump rise to his throat at such a declaration of
love, and before he pulled the door closed he glanced backwards to
see Glorfindel disregard the pain of his injuries and lay beside the
wasted body of the unaware Erestor. With tender affection he held
him close, demonstrating his love with the most delicate and loving
caresses Elrohir had ever witnessed. The pale skin seemed to blush
with pleasure beneath Glorfindel's touch, and when he whispered what
Elrohir could only assume were words of love into the advisor's ear,
a soft sigh escaped lips that were once again claimed by the
seneschal.

Elrohir smiled with relief at the sign of improvement in Erestor and
eagerly left the lovers to their privacy as he sought out Elrond to
relay the good news.

***************

"Erestor, can you hear me?" Glorfindel asked hopefully at the small
indication of returning awareness of his lover.

"I hear you, but this is only a dream. My Glorfindel no longer loves
me," replied a tearful Erestor as he turned away from the apparition
he believed the seneschal to be, only to have his face turned
tenderly back by the touch of a finger.

"I am no dream, I am your Glorfindel and I love you now and
forever," the seneschal reassured him. "Search your heart. Can you
not hear our song?" Erestor closed his eyes again, and listened for
that which had almost faded away.

"It is faint, as if someone is singing in a chamber whose door is
being slowly closed," he affirmed sadly. "Soon I will be unable to
hear it and knew that when the last note dies away, I will
gratefully enter the Halls of Waiting."

"Then break the door down and join in the song, or I will follow
you."

"I have not the strength left in me to do as you ask," he whispered
as he slipped back into unconsciousness.

"Then I will lend you my strength, even as I give you my heart and
soul, and we will overcome this together," declared Glorfindel. He
wrapped both his arms around his lover and pressed his lips against
Erestor's in a searing kiss that was filled with desperation and
passionate need, sharing the heat of his desire and brightly burning
love in both body and spirit. Flames licked greedily at the door
that had almost closed between them, and in moments it was nothing
but ashes, having been burned away from both sides. Erestor's inner
voice joined with Glorfindel's as they sang their joyous song of
love.

"I love you Erestor, I never stopped loving you and I never will,"
Glorfindel whispered reassuringly as the eyes he gazed into slowly
began to focus.

"As I love you Glorfindel, ever and always," replied the advisor.
Although Erestor was weak and exhausted, he found the strength to
take Glorfindel's hand and bring it to his lips. Had they just made
love for the first time, Glorfindel could not have been happier at
the gesture.

"Then let us wait no longer and ask the Valar to bear witness to our
love. I would bind with you this very moment, my beloved."
Glorfindel's words were spoken as a formal vow and Erestor accepted
them as such.

"As the Valar are my witnesses, I will bind with you, my love, here
and now," replied Erestor. This time when they kissed, a sweet
harmony of voices joined in their song and they knew that their
union had been blessed by the Valar.

"I am afraid neither of us is in any condition to consummate our
binding," said Glorfindel as he gingerly moved onto his back to ease
the pressure on his injured shoulder when the kiss finally ended.

"Nay, we are not, and I doubt that I can keep awake much longer even
if we could," said Erestor as he unsuccessfully tried to stifle a
yawn against Glorfindel's uninjured shoulder where his head now
rested. "Glorfindel?"

"Hmm?" The seneschal's response was also sleepy.

"Why did you write that letter?"

"You are mistaken, I did not write that wicked deception my love."
Glorfindel said as he drifted into reverie.

"Then who did?"

Chapter 7/12

Although Lord Elrond had made it abundantly clear that her presence
was not wanted in the Healing Hall, Amien could not help but return
there after she had delivered her message to Celebríían. She had seen
wounded Elves before, for orcs had often attacked the border patrols
of Lothlorien, but the sight of the seneschal covered in blood had
been most distressing. Even more so was the realisation that perhaps
the wounds were fatal, and she could not bear the thought of losing
the one she loved.

The door to the infirmary was closed and without hesitation Amien
reached to open it just enough so that she could peer inside. To her
relief, she heard Elrond telling Glorfindel that the injuries were
serious but not life threatening and she was just about to enter the
room in the hope of being allowed to offer him some comfort when a
very angry and upset Celebríían arrived and demanded she move away
from the door.

"I do not think your presence is required here, Amien," she said in
a tone that brooked no argument.

"I just wanted to see how Lord Glorfindel was faring, my Lady,"
replied the maiden respectfully as she moved aside, mindful of
Celebríían's earlier threat. After some thought she had decided it
would not be wise to earn the ire of the Lady Galadriel's daughter.
Celebríían opened the door fully.

"As you can see, all is as well as can be expected," she said after
exchanging a quick glance at Elrond. "Now if you will let me pass, I
need to speak urgently with Glorfindel and am certain you have other
duties to attend to, do you not?"

"Aye, my Lady," replied Amien, her eyes blazing with fury at the
casual dismissal. She knew that Glorfindel would recover much more
rapidly if she would be permitted to perhaps hold his hand or soothe
his brow with tender caresses as she whispered words of love. Such a
display of affection would certainly cause him to turn to her after
Erestor rejected him, as she hoped he would now that he believed
Glorfindel did not love him any longer.

The thought of Erestor reminded Amien that she had several hours
work to do, drying the plants and herbs she had collected earlier
that morning and at a leisurely pace she made her way to the
courtyard where the drying racks were to be found. As she passed one
of the other healing chambers, she was surprised to hear
Glorfindel's name mentioned and she stopped to listen to the
conversation between two of the junior healers.

"As you say, Lord Glorfindel is in the safest of hands with Lord
Elrond, but even a powerful Healer such as he will not be able to
keep our dear seneschal from Mandos should Lord Erestor travel
there," said one of the elves. Amien's heart began racing with alarm
when she heard those words and a slowly developing feeling of
foreboding began to shadow her spirit.

"Aye, that is true and from the air of sorrow that surrounds anyone
who visits with him, sadly I feel it will not be long before he
passes," said the other.

"What is it that ails Lord Erestor?" Amien asked as she burst into
the chamber, caring not that both elves favoured her with a look of
displeasure at her obvious eavesdropping. Improper behaviour meant
nothing to the maiden who was unable to contain her curiosity and
needed answers.

"He is fading from grief, and even Lord Elrond knows not why," said
the elder of the two with a sad shake of his head.

"That is not precisely true," argued this friend. "He told me it was
the kind of fading due to a broken heart, but it is inconceivable
that he and Lord Glorfindel would part. Even if their love for each
other was not apparent to anyone who saw them together, you can
actually feel the strength of their bond when you are near them. You
never had a chance of winning our seneschal's heart, Amien." He
added as he fixed the maiden with a knowing look. Two spots of
burning red formed on her cheeks and she glared furiously at the elf
who stared back with coldness in his eyes that did not become a
healer but spoke of his disgust for the way she had been pursuing
another's lover.

"Nay you did not," agreed the other in a tone that was most unkind.
Until this moment Amien had not realised that her behaviour towards
Glorfindel had been noticed, and apparently disapproved of by so
many of the inhabitants of Imladris. "The deep love they share is
the reason why Lord Glorfindel will willingly join him if Lord
Erestor dies," stated the elder.

This sudden insight was more than she could bear and tears filled
Amien's eyes as she ran blindly from the chamber and the truth she
did not wish to face. It had been so easy to simply make Erestor
believe Glorfindel had left him and she had never credited the
notion that an elf could die of a broken heart, for she had survived
hers, had she not? It seemed to the naïïve maiden that both Erestor
and Glorfindel were old enough and wise enough to deal with such a
situation. However, the harsh reality was that the consequences of
her ill considered action would likely result in the loss of them
both.

******************

The gentle touch of his lover's fingers on his cheek woke Erestor,
and as his eyes slowly focussed he smiled at Glorfindel and offered
his lips for a sweet kiss.

"How are you feeling, Erestor?" asked a voice that was not the
Balrog slayer's. The advisor turned to the side to see Elrond
standing next to the bed with a cup of water in his hand. Glorfindel
propped him up against his uninjured shoulder so that Erestor could
take a few sips before answering.

"Very tired and ecstatically happy," said the advisor as he snuggled
closer into Glorfindel's embrace. The seneschal softly kissed his
mate's hair, a flicker of sadness dimming the brightness in his eyes
as he noticed the normally shining black tresses had become dull as
Erestor's life force had slowly diminished.

"And you, Glorfindel?" Elrond enquired as he reached for the tray
holding the clean bandages and assorted salves needed to dress the
Balrog slayer's wounds.

"As ecstatic as my spouse," he said in a nonchalant manner as if he
was simply commenting on the weather. Erestor managed a quiet
chuckle as both of Elrond's eyebrows rose to the top of his forehead.

"Did you say `spouse'?" He repeated slowly, forgetting the bandages
in light of this unexpected revelation.

"Aye, we decided no t to wait a moment longer and asked the Valar to
witness our marriage," Glorfindel explained as he reached for
Erestor's hand.

"I see. `Tis no wonder then that you are both still exhausted," he
teased. Glorfindel laughed merrily but Erestor merely rolled his
eyes at the innuendo.

"Not that it is any of your business, but as a Healer you are surely
aware that neither of us is in any condition to share anything more
than a kiss and an embrace, at least for now," Erestor stated with a
twinkle in his eye at the thought of what was yet to be.

"I take your point, but who is going to tell Celebríían that the
wedding she is so eagerly looking forward to is no longer necessary?"

"Glorfindel!" "Erestor!" they said simultaneously, both shaking
their heads in the negative.

"Elrond!" This time they spoke in unison and their friend held his
hands up in defeat. "Very well, I will do the onerous chore, but I
do not imagine she will not let the event go by uncelebrated," he
warned cheerfully.

"Speaking of Celebríían, where is that letter she claims I wrote?"
Glorfindel asked, bringing the conversation back to the more serious
side of the situation. "It must have been very convincing for
Erestor to have believed such nonsense."

Elrond produced the offending note from a pocket in his robe and
waited silently while both Erector and Glorfindel studied it closely.

"I can not credit that you believed this, Erestor. Aside from being
untrue, I would not use such cold and unfeeling words, in fact I
would not even send a letter but deal with problem in person," said
Glorfindel, unable to hide the hurt from his voice.

"I know that, and I can offer no explanation as to why I believed it
either, especially since this is not even your handwriting. All I
recall is that I had just finished my bath and was feeling
extraordinarily light headed. I remember falling onto our bed, and I
see scattered remnants of scenes from the nightmare that started
when I read this letter, but it is all very vague."

"It sounds as if someone drugged you, Erestor," said Elrond frowning
with concern. He decided not to comment further, but when he carried
the unconscious advisor to the Healing Hall, he remembered smelling
a distinctive scent that he could not quite name. He had given it no
more thought at the time, but he was now certain he knew the source.
This whole matter was developing into something very insidious.

"Well whatever the cause, all I know is that sorry seems such an
inadequate word to render the hurt I have caused you, my Balrog
slayer. Please forgive me," he said sorrowfully as his tears fell
and he sagged heavily back against Glorfindel's chest.

"We have already forgiven each other, my love," the seneschal
whispered into his spouse's hair. "Rest now. You have a long
recovery ahead of you yet." When Erestor failed to answer,
Glorfindel looked with alarm at Elrond.

"Fear not, he has simply fallen asleep," he said reassuringly. "I
still need to tend your wounds, but I would rather you held Erestor
while he sleeps, your closeness is the best remedy for his healing
heart." Glorfindel nodded his understanding and drew the blankets
around them both then spoke the thought that had just occurred. He
picked up the letter again and handed it back to Elrond.

"Elrond, this is the parchment I use, but Erestor was correct. This
is not my writing although it is certainly a good imitation. I think
we need to discover who wrote this note, and possibly drugged
Erestor as well. Perhaps you should Galen or one of the other
members of Erestor's staff if they are able to shed some light on
the likely culprit. I am suddenly fearful for his safety and I will
not leave him alone for a moment."

"A good idea, for if my suspicions are correct, Galen will indeed
know who wrote this," Elrond said angrily as he took the parchment
and strode purposefully out of the chamber.

Chapter 8/12


After her most distressing conversation with the healers, Amien was
filled with a desperate desire to find out how Glorfindel was
faring, but knowing that Lord Elrond would not allow her to see the
injured seneschal, she had no choice but to wait until he had been
left alone to rest. Tears of frustration were added to those
already shed in fear for her love's life and being in no mood for
work, she decided to leave the Healing Halls and seek solace in the
garden where she and Glorfindel had last spoken.

As she passed the chamber where she knew the injured warrior was
being treated, Amien was startled to see the bed empty and no sign
of its occupant. Looking around in alarm, she saw the remnants of
clothing piled on top of the bloodied cloths that had been used to
treat the seneschal's wounds and her heart began racing wildly with
dread as she assumed the worst. However, after a few moments she
calmed somewhat, thinking that in all likelihood Glorfindel had
merely requested to be allowed to recover in the privacy and comfort
of his own chambers. Aye, surely that was exactly what her beloved
would do she consoled herself as she picked up the seneschal's
discarded sword belt.

".. and Nana was most disappointed to learn that the wedding on
Midsummer's Eve will not now happen," Elrohir was saying to Elladan
as they entered the chamber, arms laden with clean linen and a
bucket of water to wash away the last traces of the most recent
patient that may have still lingered on the wooden bed head. They
stopped in mid stride and glared openly in disbelief at their
unexpected companion. There was no mistaking the joy on her face,
much to the disgust of both Elladan and Elrohir.

"Did I hear you say there will be no wedding?" Amien asked unable to
hide her renewed hope now that Glorfindel was apparently alive and
well and unbound.

"Aye," replied Elladan curtly as he set about the task of cleaning
the sick bed, unable to bear even speaking to the unfeeling Amien.
Elrohir was not so ready to dismiss the self centred maiden he had
also come to dislike intensely.

"What are you doing with Glorfindel's belt?" he demanded angrily,
pointing to the item in her hands. As she glanced from one to the
other, Amien saw only hardness and anger directed at her from the
two pairs of eyes that were so much alike and it was obvious that
neither bore her any feelings of friendship. She cared little for
their regard, mistakenly believing their feelings stemmed from her
rejection of them both, but nothing could have been further from the
truth.

When Elrond's sons had learned of the letter that had caused Erestor
such heartbreak, neither believed for a moment that Glorfindel had
written it and after some discussion had decided that the only
possible culprit was the maid standing before them. Both hoped
fervently that their Adar would soon find a way to prove it and a
suitable punishment devised, preferably by Erestor and Glorfindel
who, judging from their own experiences at incurring their elders'
wrath, were considered by Elladan and Elrohir to be the masters of
reprimand.

"I intend to return it to Lord Glorfindel when he is able to receive
visitors. I understand he must be very upset after learning of Lord
Erestor's rejection," she explained with a shrug, her mind
distracted by the information she had just learned.

"It will not be necessary for you to return Lord Glorfindel's sword
belt for he has no need of it now," Elrohir said in a voice as cold
as the winds that blew from the north in winter as he held out his
hand in silent demand. Amien paled visibly at those ominous sounding
words but clutched the belt tightly, refusing to give it to Elrohir.

"What do you mean?" she whispered fearfully, her eyes wide with
apprehension. "Surely Lord Glorfindel survived his injuries?"

"He means that Glorfindel has gone to be with Erestor," Elladan said
with a sigh, seemingly oblivious to the ambiguity of his words.

"Nay, that can not be, Lord Erestor should not have faded. When did
it happen?" demanded Amien who was now in a very distressed state of
mind and misinterpreted his answer to mean that her worst nightmare
had come true. Erestor must have finally succumbed to Namo's call
and his betrothed had followed him, just as the healers she had
spoken to earlier had said he would. Glorfindel was dead

"Elladan, I think Amien believes that Glorfindel has gone to the
Halls of Waiting!"

Elrohir's words were unspoken, but clearly heard in the mind of his
twin, connected as they were by their special bond of closeness.

"Aye and it had it not been for his injury and timely return, and
his reunion with Erestor, that may well have happened." Elladan
replied. Elrohir rubbed his temple to relieve the ache caused by
the distress in his brother's thoughts.

"Do you think we should tell her the truth? After all in her own
strange way, she really does care for Glorfindel," Elrohir said with
a sympathetic glance at the maiden.

Amien was now sitting dejectedly on the bed with Glorfindel's belt
resting on her lap, weeping and allowing her tears to fall freely as
she tenderly ran her fingers along the engraved leather.

"But not for Erestor or his feelings," observed Elladan, who had
always been very fond of the Noldo, both as his tutor and now as his
friend, and was unmoved by the display of anguish. "Besides, we have
spoken the truth about Glorfindel, have we not?" he asked, his
eyebrow rose as if seeking Elrohir's agreement, which he received
without hesitation.

". As far as it goes." Elrohir nodded, his eyes lighting with the
sudden realisation that his brother was intent on a subtle form of
revenge. "I see, so whatever conclusions she draws from our `less
than helpful' explanations are her own to deal with?"

"Aye. It would do her no harm to suffer a little after what she
tried to do to Erestor and Glorfindel's relationship."

Amien was puzzled by the lingering silence, and even more so by the
strange smiles on the brethren's faces as they broke contact and
turned their attention back to answering her question.

"We believe Glorfindel joined Erestor several hours ago, not long
after you spoke with out naneth, in fact," replied Elrohir
truthfully.

"Nay, that is not possible. How could he choose Erestor over me?"
cried Amien in a strangled whisper. "What am I to do now?"

"I suggest you move to that chair over there so that I can finish
making the bed," said Elladan coldly. Amien was numb with grief, and
allowed Elladan to take Glorfindel's belt and usher her to the chair
he had indicated. She sat there staring at nothing, her body so
wracked with sobs that Elrohir looked on her with a hint of concern.

"Since you are obviously devoured by grief I think we should take
you to seek comfort from your Adar," suggested Elrohir, forcing
compassion into his voice. Elladan nodded his acquiescence and each
taking an arm to support the listless maiden, they walked slowly
towards Galen's office.

"I wonder if Adar has finished speaking with Galen?" Elrohir mused
aloud, more for Amien's benefit than his brother's. He was not
surprised by her immeduite response.

"Lord Elrond is speaking with Adar?" asked Amien, her eyes wide with
fear as she pulled away from her escorts. Unless Galen kept his
silence, Lord Elrond would learn of her guilt and she dared not
contemplate the outcome.

"Aye, he is suspicious about a letter Glorfindel is alleged to have
written to Erestor and seeks to find out who in Imladris would be
capable of such a forgery," explained Elladan.

"Surely he does not think Adar would do such a thing?" Amien asked,
for the first time truly considering

"Especially since it resulted in such dire consequences," added
Elrohir, suddenly very wary of Amien's mercurial mood change.

"I am feeling much better now, but think it best if I speak with
Nana, she would understand my heartache much better than Ada. You
need not accompany me any further," Amien said as she stood still,
refusing to take another step.

The deception behind her words was easily read by Elladan and
Elrohir, and only served to confirm their suspicions as to her
guilt. However, having no reason other than instincts that screamed
at them not to trust the maid, they were reluctantly forced to agree
to her request. Nonetheless they watched until Amien was out of
sight, and then continued on to Galen's office.

**************

"Good afternoon, Galen. I hope I am not disturbing you?" said Elrond
cordially as he entered the office of the scribe whose detailed
inspection of the ancient scroll on his desk reminded him very much
of Erestor's attitude to his work.

"Not at all, my lord, especially if you bring good news of my
friend, Lord Erestor?" he asked with genuine concern.

"Erestor is doing well now that Glorfindel has returned," Elrond
informed him, smiling at the very pleased sigh of relief Galen
emitted. This elf was nothing like his daughter, and he was
apparently quite fond of the Chief Advisor.

"I can not tell you how pleased I am to hear that, but I suspect
that is not the only reason for this unexpected visit. How can I be
of assistance, Lord Elrond?" Galen asked as he rose and bowed
politely before offering Elrond a seat in one of the armchairs he
reserved for visitors.

"I see you are as astute as my dear Advisor. Indeed require your
assistance. I have come across a letter that was supposedly written
by Lord Glorfindel, and whilst it is an excellent imitation, it is
definitely a forgery. I was wondering if you could perhaps shed some
light on the identity of those possessing such a skill?"

"Surely Lord Erestor has more knowledge in this area?" asked Galen,
the sinking feeling in his stomach telling him that this was none
other than the work of Amien, but he did not wish to see his
daughter in trouble if he could avoid it.

"Erestor is still quite indisposed, and unable to think clearly at
present other wise he would certainly be able to suggest possible
candidates, especially since the letter attacked him personally,"
explained Elrond.

"I see. Well, all of your scribes are capable of copying writing
style, but I know of none who would chose to court Lord Glorfindel's
wrath by imitating his, nor sending a letter to Lord Erestor who
would immediately recognise it as fake," observed Galen
thoughtfully. It was the truth, none of the scribes would do such a
thing, and fortunately Amien was not a scribe. "If you wish me to
tell you who wrote the letter, I believe I could but I would need to
examine it," said Galen.

"I can not allow that, as I said, the contents are far too
personal," replied a disappointed Elrond. "I suppose we will have to
wait until Erestor is well enough to find out the answer."

"Aye, I think that would be wise," agreed Galen, looking far too
relieved for Elrond's comfort.

"Then I will bid you good afternoon," he said as he rose to leave.
Elrond was totally lost in thought as he walked along the passageway
that lead back to his study that he did not see his sons until he
literally ran into them and ended unceremoniously sitting on the
cold slate of the floor.

"Did you find out who wrote the note, Adar?" asked Elrohir as he
made an exaggerated show of straightening Elrond's robes after
helping him up from the floor.

"Nay, Galen was of no help, and in fact I think he was hiding
something from me," replied Elrond.

"Adar, we think it was Amien who wrote that note," said Elladan.
Knowing that his sons were not prone to making unfounded accusations
and not surprised that they had reached the same conclusion as he in
fact already had, he nodded his agreement then issued orders to his
sons.

"Elladan, please find Amien and ask her to come to my study in one
hour's time. Elrohir, see to it that both Galen and Inilwen attend
as well."

"As you wish, Adar," they replied in unison. Elrond smiled
affectionately at the sons he loved dearly and silently thanked the
Valar that, for all the mischief they had caused during their
childhood, Elladan and Elrohir were now fine, respectable warriors
of whom he was justly proud.

Chapter 9/12

Elrond studied the two pieces of parchment that lay before him and
had to admit that the handwriting on the fake note was very similar,
but not exactly the same, as that on the seneschal's weekly report
that he had retrieved from Erestor's office. Under close scrutiny
the subtle differences became quite obvious and Elrond was more
certain than ever that such would not have escaped the astute
advisor's notice unless Erestor had been under an outside influence.

"Why the frown, my love?" Celebríían asked as she ran soothing
fingers across the creases of worry on her husband's brow. Elrond
was startled by her silent approach, but only for a moment. He
smiled up at his beloved as he captured her hand and kissed the soft
skin if her palm.

"It escapes me how Erestor allowed himself to be drugged, or how I
can possibly prove it without a confession from the culprit, " he
replied as he drew Celebríían onto his lap and wrapped his arms about
her waist, an action rewarded with a tender kiss on his cheek.

"If the one responsible was whom we all seem to think it was, you
will likely be waiting until the end of Arda. Her obsession is not
only a danger to herself but to others as well, and she is very
cunning," observed Celebríían with a coldness that indicated her
disgust with Amien.

"You speak wisely, as always. I have spoken to Galen but he claims
to have no idea who forged the letter." Celebríían did not seem
surprised either that Galen kept his silence or that her husband did
not trust him.

"You do not believe him, do you." It was a statement of fact rather
than a question. Elrond shook his head.

"Not entirely. I believe him when he says it was not one of the
scribes, but he does know who is responsible, of that I have no
doubt. Nonetheless I have arranged a meeting with Amien and her
parents in the hopes of obtaining a confession," he said allowing
the one closest to his heart to hear the uncertainty of that outcome
in his voice. Were Erestor here, his dear friend of many ages would
also have easily detected it, he mused.

"Can Erestor not explain what happened?" Elrond raised his eyebrow
in surprise at the mention of the name that had just been in his
thoughts, but what else did one expect from the daughter of
Galadriel.

"Nay, I spoke to him earlier for a few minutes and he was still
unable to think clearly. He is confused and unsure which of his
recollections are real and which are parts of the nightmare that he
has suffered during these past days," he told her with a sigh of
frustration.

"I can not begin to imagine the heartbreak he felt thinking
Glorfindel no longer loved him. I wonder that the Valar allowed him
to suffer so," said Celebríían, tears filling her eyes with sorrow.

"As did Glorfindel," added Elrond, as he took Celebríían in his arms
and held her as if he would never let her go. "I do not know what I
would do if I were to lose you, my love," he whispered, a flash of
his far sight making him suddenly afraid of the future.

"I am part of you, beloved, you can never lose me," replied
Celebríían as she tilted her head up in an invitation which Elrond
readily accepted with a kiss that was as sweet and filled with love
as the first one they had ever shared. Celebríían sighed happily when
they finally parted and then returned their conversation to the
current problem.

"Elrond, love, I have far spoken with Naneth and she has shown me a
way to seek out Erestor's memories. Do you have any idea what herb
was used to incapacitate our dear advisor?" Celebríían asked after
several minutes of contented silence had ensued as she snuggled
against the strong body of her husband. Elrond slammed his fist onto
the desk, and laughed bitterly as recognition lit his eyes, to be
quickly replaced by cold fury.

"I am a fool! I trusted her to dispose of that plant, but I should
have done it myself!" he exclaimed as he hugged Celebríían and kissed
her soundly again before lifting her from his lap. "Come, if my
instincts are correct, I know where the evidence and the assistance
you require is to be found," he said as he took her hand and strode
purposefully from the study.

Celebríían found herself being lead to the herb garden where, after a
quick glance around the area he knew so well, and as if guided by
some invisible hand, Elrond walked deliberately towards a particular
corner of the garden that had been rather overgrown until Amien
began restoring it. He plunged his hands into the newly turned soil
and easily moved the soft dirt aside to reveal a cloth covered
bundle of dried leaves with a distinctive scent that told the master
Healer they were of the plant Amien had claimed she had destroyed as
requested.

"That material was woven in Lothlorien," said Celebríían as she
rubbed a corner of the cloth between her fingers.

"A fact that only confirms my suspicions about Amien," replied
Elrond looking at the leaves with disgust. Celebríían carefully
smelled the herb and nodded as if answering some unspoken question.

"The leaves do have a rather distinctive odour and will possibly
help me restore his memory." Elrond favoured his wife with a loving
smile and taking her hand again they made their way to the healing
hall.


*********

The lore master raised his hand to knock on the door, but refrained
from doing so when he heard the muffled sound of voices through the
thick wood.

"Ouch! Please, not so hard, Glorfindel!"

"I am sorry, Erestor. Please try and relax. The pain will pass
quickly,"

"Perhaps if you used a little more oil?" moaned Erestor as he felt
another sharp pain.

"Just a few strokes more, I am almost finished my love."


It seemed apparent that the occupants of the healing chamber were
involved in their own method of recovery, but Elrond's disapproval
was also obvious as he reached for the door knob.

"Do you think it proper that we should interrupt?" asked Celebríían
uncertainly. Elrond allowed himself a moment to simply look at her
before replying. He found the slight blush on her cheeks to be
exquisitely charming and arousing.

"Aye, I do. As much as they may desire to consummate their marriage,
Erestor is in no condition to do so, no matter how gently Glorfindel
might treat him. Wait here," he said handing Celebríían the bundle of
herbs before he opened the door just enough to allow entry and then
disappeared into the chamber.

"Glorfindel, Erestor, I suggest you stop before you find yourselves
in need of my healing services again!" he demanded, keeping his eyes
averted to allow his friends some privacy.

"Just what is it you think we are doing, Elrond?" Glorfindel's
hearty laughter and Erestor's weak but equally mirthful chuckles
cause Elrond to look in their direction, only to find things were
not as he had assumed.

Erestor was sitting propped up by several pillows while Glorfindel
attempted to brush the unruly tangles from the neglected locks of
dark hair. It was a daunting task despite the liberal application of
some oil the seneschal had found amongst Elrond's potions.

"I. that is. Celebríían and I.we thought you were making love,"
Elrond stammered in his embarrassment.

"Then why did you interrupt?" Glorfindel asked, the wicked gleam in
his eye telling both Erestor and Elrond that he was enjoying his
lord's discomfort immensely.

"Out of concern for your well being. You both must realise that
Erestor especially should not be exerting himself just yet," he
explained tartly.

"Although I very much desire to do so," Erestor whispered into
Glorfindel's ear. The seneschal kissed his mate softly on the lips.

"I know, as do I, but Elrond is right," he whispered back. The sound
of the lord of Imladris clearing his throat recaptured their
attention.

"I thank you for your concern, but as you can see, I am quite safe
in Glorfindel's hands," replied Erestor as he leaned wearily back
against his mate who enfolded him in a warm embrace. "I am also very
tired," he added drowsily.

"So I see, but there is a matter of import we must discuss," said
Elrond as he moved to the door and ushered Celebríían in to the room.
She walked over to the bed and kissed Erestor's cheek, and exchanged
a relieved smile of affection with Glorfindel.

"Erestor dear, I am so happy for both, and pleased that you will be
well, but before you fall asleep again perhaps I can help you
recall how you came to be in possession of that forged note?" She
suggested, holding his gaze as she tenderly took one of the
advisor's hands and placed one of the dried leaves in it. "Have you
seen or smelled this particular herb before? It makes you both very
lethargic and extremely susceptible to suggestions." Erestor felt as
if a cloud lifted from his mind and memories of that terrible day
suddenly became clear.

"Aye, the aroma reminds me of the bath I was preparing whilst
waiting for my meal to arrive," he said feeling wide awake for the
first time in days. Realising that it was Celebríían who was
responsible for his alertness, although he knew not how, he nodded
his thanks.

"This is not your usual fragrance," commented Glorfindel who had
also taken a careful sniff of the herbs that Elrond held in the
cloth.

"Nay, it is not. I was tired and lonely and missing you very much
my love, and I think I used your bathing herbs without realising the
strange scent they contained." He smiled as he felt Glorfindel's
arms tighten around him and soft lips tickled his neck.

"I missed you too," whispered Glorfindel against the soft skin,
causing a delightful sensation to travel down Erestor's spine. The
advisor fervently begged the Valar for a swift recovery and several
uninterrupted days and nights with his husband. "Soon," Glorfindel
whispered seductively as he sensed his mate's impatience.

"What happened next?" Celebríían asked, ignoring the love play
between the two.

"I finished bathing and I felt very strange. I collapsed on the bed
just before the maid brought my meal tray. It was not the usual
kitchen maid, but Amien who brought my meal," he said, suddenly
fully alert. His eyes widened as his clarity of thought allowed him
to fully realise what had happened. "So it was she who used this
insidious plant to cause me to mistrust my own heart and believe
that Glorfindel had left me," said Erestor, relieved to finally
learn the truth.

"So it seems, for that is the danger of that particular herb,"
explained Elrond who had remained silent until now.

"It was she who gave me the note from Glorfindel!" declared Erestor,
his eyes ablaze with outrage at what had been done to him, and
hatred for the one responsible.

"Amien!" hissed the Balrog slayer with equal vehemence. It had hurt
him deeply to feel Erestor fading, knowing that only grief from a
broken heart could cause such a tragic event but until now he did
not understand what could have made Erestor doubt his love.

So distraught had the seneschal become as he felt Erestor's fea
slowly slipping away that he had returned alone to Imladris in
response to his lover's distress, but he had become careless and
allowed a band of orcs to come upon him unawares. Had not Elladan
and Elrohir been hunting in that area, Glorfindel might have found
himself back in the Halls of Waiting.

"Elrond, that evil child must not remain another day in Imladris!"
It was more than a request; it was an order not to be denied.

"Aye," nodded Elrond, not of a mind to disagree with the golden elf
lord. "I am expecting Amien and her parents to attend me in my study
shortly but perhaps it would be best if they came here and heard
Erestor's account of the events, if you feel well enough, that is?"
Elrond glanced at his advisor who nodded his acquiescence.

"As I am the only witness, I will find the strength to participate
for such an atrocious act can not go unpunished," he assured them
all.

"Thank you, Erestor. We shall return shortly with the others, so in
the mean time please try and get some rest," said Elrond with a
pointed glance in Glorfindel's direction.

"I will see he sleeps, but first I think we should finish what we
started before we were so unceremoniously interrupted," said
Glorfindel, winking at Erestor as he reached for the discarded
hairbrush.

Elrond and Celebríían quickly took their leave, the seneschal and
advisor exchanging amused smiles at the slightly coloured cheeks of
their Lord and Lady.

Chapter 10/12

A still very distressed Amien waited until Elladan and Elrohir were
well out of sight then turned her footsteps in the direction of
Glorfindel's office believing that her broken heart would find
solace in a place that surely held echoes of the faded seneschal.
She entered the unlocked chamber and walked slowly across the small
room until she reached the desk. Nothing had changed since she had
come here to collect a piece of parchment just after Glorfindel had
left to go on patrol. Papers were strewn in no particular order, the
ink well had been left open and the liquid dried up, and the feather
of his quill was bent at an odd angle. A sad smile forced its way to
her lips at the state of disarray to be seen there, so different to
that of her Adar's meticulously organised workplace.

Looking around the chamber, Amien noticed that the arms of one of
the armchairs normally used by visitors was covered with one of
Glorfindel's tunics and she moved quickly to pick up the garment,
tears welling in her eyes as grief overcame her when she inhaled the
scent of the Lord who she believed would have been hers had he not
followed Lord Erestor to Mandos. A flash of anger invaded Amien's
sorrow at the thought of the Advisor, for his death, although
unintended, had defeated her plans and taken Glorfindel from her
reach forever. Unable to contain her heartache any longer, Amien
sank into the soft armchair and holding the tunic close and wept
uncontrollably as she mourned her lost love.

Several minutes later, the sound of voices and merry laughter coming
from the courtyard outside the office caught Amien's attention and
she crept to the window to see who was displaying such disrespect
towards the seneschal. To her surprise, it was Glorfindel's own
patrol that was cheerfully being greeted by Elladan.

"So our esteemed Captain is alive and well, despite the orcs?"
Darian, Glorfindel's second asked Elladan, clapping him on the back
in relief.

"As I said, his injuries were not as bad as they appeared. He is a
mighty warrior and to the dismay of the orcs as Adar observed, very
hard to kill," Elladan replied with a hearty laughter that was
echoed by the warriors. Amien's eyes widened as she realised what
Elladan was actually saying. Glorfindel was not dead! He was
recovering! Ignoring for the moment the fact that she had been
deliberately mislead, Amien hugged the tunic tightly and in her
unbounded joy and relief, thanked the Valar that all was well with
the golden lord.

"Even though he was very distracted for days before he unwisely
decided to return alone," Darian added in a tone of voice that
suggested he intended to have words with his Captain on this very
matter. Elladan could barely credit that any elf would dare
reprimand the Balrog slayer, but it seemed that this one did not
fear his leader and he was secretly pleased that Glorfindel had such
a protector, whether he felt he needed one or not.

"Aye, but what of his heart? How fares Lord Erestor?" Many heads
nodded in approval of this more serious question and the laughter
subsided in the wake. It did not surprise Elladan in the least to be
asked this, although it confused Amien who was still eavesdropping.
How would they have known anything had happened to the Advisor?

"Their love for one another is very strong to be able to felt keenly
even over such a large distance and thanks to it, and Glorfindel's
timely arrival, he is recovering albeit slowly," replied Elladan,
smiling at the looks of relief on the faces about him.

"The company of one's betrothed is always a sure remedy for any
ailment, be it of the heart or the body," said one of the warriors
wisely as he snaked his arm around the waist of his own lover.

"Indeed that is true, but they are no longer betrothed," said
Elladan with a pointed look at the office window where he had seen a
brief glimpse of Amien out of the corner of his eye. His words
elicited a series of questions, all spoken at once.

"Why?"

"What happened?"

"I do not believe it!"

"Those two had eyes only for each other!"

"Amien?" mouthed Darian, his eyes narrowing at the mention of the
maid he regarded as nothing but a trouble maker. He had lost count
of the number of times he had `rescued' his Captain from her
presence, knowing it was unwelcome. Elladan nodded and winked
conspiratorially at his companion.

"I am pleased to announce that they have already spoken their vows
before the Valar, and are now wed!" He exclaimed, unable to contain
a broad grin at the cheer that rose from those around him.

"You speak falsely, Elladan! That can not be! Erestor is dead!"
shrieked Amien as she ran out into the courtyard and began pounding
Elladan's chest with her fists. He easily caught her hands in his
and held them none too gently as he glared with disgust at his
attacker.

"Nay, he is alive and well and safely in Glorfindel's arms, in his
*spouse's* arms, even as we speak, no thanks to you," declared
Elladan angrily.

"What did she do?" Darian asked, listening with alarm as Elladan
explained what he and many others believed Amien had done to
Erestor, and unwittingly to Glorfindel.

"I admit I wanted Lord Glorfindel to be mine, but you are all
mistaken, I did no harm to Lord Erestor," Amien said, eyes flashing
defiantly. The other Elves were so outraged at her denial of guilt
that they eyed her with a mixture of pity and disgust, none seeking
to offer her any comfort. Darian placed his fingers under her chin
and tilted her head upwards so that she could see the coldness of
disbelief in his eyes that was matched by the hardness in his voice.

"You are fooling only yourself, child. Lord Glorfindel is not, nor
would he ever have been yours so deeply bound in heart, body and
spirit is he with his lover. He would have followed Lord Erestor,
even to the Halls of Waiting," he said before turning from Amien in
disgust.

"Does Lord Elrond know of this treachery?" he asked Elladan.

"Adar suspects Amien as the culprit, but as far as I am aware, has
found no evidence to support such accusations, although he has
summoned Amien and her parents to attend an inquiry in his study."
Elladan explained, still maintaining his grip on the maid who was
now trying to escape.

"I deem it likely Lord Elrond will have found such proof and will
devise a suitable way of making her pay for her crimes." Darian
spoke with such confidence in his lord that Elladan could not help
but feel proud of the respect in which his Adar was held. Amien
tried even harder to free herself from Elladan's grasp at the
mention of punishment, but to no avail for Darian took her other arm.

"I will accompany you and Amien to Lord Elrond, but first perhaps a
visit wit my lords Glorfindel and Erestor is in order. It is only
proper to offer them our congratulations and wishes of happiness for
their future," he said meaningfully. Elladan nodded his agreement,
for to make Amien do this would be worse punishment for the maid
than anything Elrond had in mind.

*********

The loud rap on the door woke Erestor, and he smiled drowsily up at
Glorfindel who still held him close.

"Elrond is making certain of a polite entrance this time," he
chuckled.

"And so he should!" Glorfindel declared with equal amusement before
answering. "Come!"

" Darian! What are you doing here? I ordered you to stay on patrol!"
Glorfindel declared, with a mixture of surprise and anger when he
saw the visitor was not Elrond as he had assumed.

"I am pleased to see you alive and well, my Lord Erestor," Darian
said ignoring Glorfindel for the moment to speak with the Advisor
who was held in high regard by all the warriors, both as Elrond's
second and as Glorfindel's lover. "I bring greetings and many
congratulations to you and your spouse from the members of your
patrol who were very concerned for you both when your illness
affected Lord Glorfindel so severely," he added in reply to his
Captain's outburst. Releasing Amien, he strode over to the bed where
he could see how pale and drawn Erestor still was, but the glow of
happiness in his eyes was heart-warming to behold. The Advisor
accepted Darian's salutations with a nod, and Glorfindel's initial
glare of anger changed slowly to a smile of affection for his friend
and comrade of many years.

"I am so sorry Glorfindel," Erestor said, ignoring the others as he
turned to caress his spouse's cheek before stealing a rather
passionate kiss. Only now that he was well on the way to recovering
did he give the whole unpleasant incident much thought, and on
reflection he knew that his lover must have felt his fading keenly.
Darian cleared his throat to gain their attention.

"'Twas through no fault of your own, as I understand it, my lord,"
he said, indicating Amien who was standing silently in the
background, Elladan's hand still holding her arm. She stared numbly
at the scene before her, her heart filling with jealous rage at the
unmistakeable love light shining from within the wedded couple as
they gazed into each other's eyes, confirming they shared a bond
that would last for eternity.

"So Elrond and Celebríían have helped me to recall," said Erestor,
turning to glare at the young maid he had come to despise.

"Excellent!" Darian exclaimed. "However, there is someone else who
wishes to offer you her good wishes," he said, indicating for Amien
to reluctantly step forward.

"She is not welcome in my presence," stated Glorfindel in the voice
of command of the Lord of the House of the Golden Flower, refusing
to even look at the maid.

"Say your piece child, then go with Elladan," Darian ordered. "I
will follow shortly," he added.

"I am sorry you almost died, Lord Erestor. That was not my
intention. I did not fade when my lover left me for another and so I
did not believe it could happen. I offer my congratulations on your
marriage," she said quietly and with apparent sincerity. Erestor
studied her for a moment then shook his head in denial.

"Your good wishes are meaningless to me," replied Erestor
harshly. "You are only sorry that your plan to steal Glorfindel from
me failed. You may have been ignorant of the severity of the
outcome, but that does not justify your actions which I deem totally
unforgivable."

"As do I," added Glorfindel. "Elladan, please take this evil child
to Elrond immediately. I can no longer bear to look at her." Elladan
raised an eyebrow in astonishment, he had never heard his former
tutor speak so insultingly to anyone, but the dangerous fire in
Glorfindel's eyes warned him not to comment. He simply nodded and
grimly led Amien from the room, allowing a brief smile to escape his
lips in response to Erestor's surreptitious wink of acknowledgement
of his former student's unspoken words of congratulation.

"Now on to more pleasant matters," said Darian cheerfully after the
door closed behind Elladan. "Although you two are now wed, do not
think the celebrations planned for Midsummer are to be forsaken.
Those under your command, my Captain, have been eagerly anticipating
the wedding feast and young Elladan assures me that the Lady
Celebríían's plans remain unaltered.

"Since neither you nor Celebríían are forces I care to reckon with, I
have no objection, as long as Erestor is well enough," a suddenly
much more relaxed Glorfindel told Darian.

"A wise decision, and I believe my recovery will be swift my love,
once a certain young maid is no longer in Imladris," said Erestor as
he snuggled back against Glorfindel's chest allowing strong arms to
carefully enfold him.

Chapter 11/12


Well accustomed to observing such displays of affection between his
Captain and the Advisor, Darian made no move to leave, for there
were still several questions he needed answered.

"How long will it be before you can return to your duties,
Glorfindel?" he asked.

"My wounds are not severe and will heal quickly, but I can not judge
how quickly Erestor will recover, and I will not leave his side
until he is well," he replied, ignoring the mumbled word of protest
he felt against his chest.

"Please do not need to neglect your duty to Imladris on my account,
my love," Erestor entreated as he moved back a little and gazed into
Glorfindel's eyes.

"I am not. Darian is more than capable of taking command in my
absence and you can clearly see the danger I am to myself and others
when I am distracted. In this matter it is my heart that rules," he
said as he tenderly claimed the soft lips that moved invitingly
close. Erestor deepened the kiss, his tongue eagerly seeking the
moist warmth of his love's mouth and sending tendrils of fire
through them both that left them burning with desire when the need
to breath finally forced them apart.

"Ahem. It might interest you to know that we found the orcs who
survived the attack on you," Darian said looking back up at the
lovers after discreetly studying the pattern on the bedcover for a
time.

"I assume you saw to it they paid for venturing so close to
Imladris?" Glorfindel asked, pulling Erestor closer when he felt his
lovers' arms tighten protectively about his waist.

"Aye," Darian nodded. "However, I will order extra patrols to be
sent out for a few weeks, just to be certain there are no others."

"A wise precaution," Glorfindel agreed, his eyes partly closing in
response to the teasing caress of Erestor's fingers as he traced the
outline of his partially unlaced undershirt. Darian decided the time
to leave had rapidly approached and was just about to do so when
there came a timid knock on the door.

"Kalian, I take it that delicious looking meal is not for a weary
warrior such as me," he said with a sad sigh .to the kitchen maid
who stood at the door with a laden tray and shook her head, smiling
at his feigned disappointment. Glorfindel's second was well known to
the kitchen staff for often took it upon himself to oversee the
preparations of the field rations for the various patrols. He was
also well loved by many of the more enlightened maids who, knowing
the handsome Balrog slayer was spoken for had turned their
affections to his unattached and equally charming, second in command.

"Nay it is for Lords Glorfindel and Erestor and I am to say that
Lord Elrond insists they both eat at least a portion of the meal
and drink the herbal tea he has prepared especially for them."

"One of Elrond's unpleasant medicinal potions, no doubt," Erestor
said wrinkling his nose in distaste as he eyed the tea kettle
warily, his brow creasing momentarily as he was reminded of
something that had been puzzling him. "Kalian, do you recall the
night I asked you to bring me some supper?"

"Aye, my lord, that was the night you became ill. Not from the food,
I hope?" she asked with alarm.

"Nay, `twas not the food," he reassured her with a rare smile. "But
I am curious about something. Why did Amien bring the tray in your
stead?"

"I was wondering that as well," commented Glorfindel.

"And how did she know Kalian's errand involved Erestor?" Darian
asked as he realised the importance of the information.

"When I had prepared the supper, I returned to find Amien in the
hallway that leads to Lord Erestor's chamber and, well, everyone
knows the regard that wanton maid has for Lord Glorfindel so I asked
her why she was in the house so late at night," she said with scorn,
her cheeks colouring as she realised to whom she was
speaking. "Please forgive my bluntness, my lords, but the maid is
not well thought of by any I know." Darian squeezed her hand
lightly in a gesture of assurance.

"Nor indeed by any of my warriors. Continue if you will." Kalian
smiled shyly and resumed her explanation.

"Amien told me that she was on an errand for Galen and had an
important letter to deliver to the Advisor. When I replied that I
was also on my way there she offered to take the tray as well. I was
at first reluctant to allow her to do so, but since I knew that Lord
Erestor was alone, I saw no reason to refuse. I did not do anything
wrong, did I my lords?" Kalian asked nervously as she saw Erestor
and Glorfindel exchange a dark glance at the mention of the letter.

"Of course not, but I think Lord Elrond will be most interested to
hear of this incident. "Come, I will take you to him for I think
these two would like to enjoy their meal in private," he said with a
smirk for Glorfindel and a knowing wink at Erestor whose hand had
now disappeared under the bedcovers.
***************

Kalian was more than willing to allow Darian to take her hand as he
led her from the chamber and was delighted with the stares of envy
she received as they made their way across the courtyard to the main
house and Elrond's study. Darian briefly explained his reason for
wishing to attend the meeting and Elrond readily agreed.

"Elladan has already informed me of Amien's admission, but you are
both most welcome to give your evidence," he said as he ushered them
inside. Darian bowed politely in response to Celebríían's smile of
welcome then turned to speak to his lord

"Elrond, a word in private if I may?" the warrior asked, his voice
barely audible as he noticed Amien and her parents were already
seated on one side of the artfully carved wooden desk that dominated
the chamber. Elrond raised an eyebrow and silently gestured for
Darian to follow him out onto the balcony.

"What is it?" He listened intently while Darian briefly explained
the confrontation between Amien and Erestor and Glorfindel. "I am
well aware that Glorfindel considers banishment from Imladris as a
suitable punishment and since I have more than enough evidence
against the maid, I see no reason not to grant their request to take
no further part in this unpleasantness." Darian nodded his thanks
and then took his seat beside Kalian as Elrond signalled the inquiry
was to begin.

Galen stood abruptly and before Elrond could utter a word, he began
to speak.

"My Lord and Lady, my wife and I are well aware of the accusations
being made against Amien, and although we would wish it otherwise,
it is to our everlasting shame that she has admitted her guilt. The
only explanation she offers for her action is that she truly
believes she is in love with Lord Glorfindel."

"As many others claim, even one or two in his own patrol, but none
would dare behave in neither such a manner towards him nor his
beloved," Darian stated angrily.

"Then I can only say that they are far more worldly wise in matters
of the heart than a young maid such as Amien," responded Galen
defensively.

"I understand a parent's desire to protect their child at all costs,
but I would hear exactly what Amien admits to being guilty of from
her own mouth," Elrond demanded, taking control of the inquiry. "Did
you write that forged note from Glorfindel?" he asked, directing his
questions at the one accused.

"Aye, my lord." Celebríían felt something slightly amiss at the
sullen response
and was becoming increasingly concerned that all was not as it
appeared.

"It is a good likeness of his hand, I take it your learned your
skill from your Adar?" The maid merely nodded. "And the herbs, why
did you disobey me and keep the plant?"

"You told me to dispose of it, my lord and I did," she replied with
a hint of defiance.

"Aye, by adding it to the various jars of herbs in a private
bathing chamber," said Elrond as he pointed to several containers he
had retrieved from Glorfindel and Erestor's bathing room. "Who was
really your intended victim? Erestor or Glorfindel?'

"I would never harm Lord Glorfindel, I love him!" she declared. "I
did not want to kill Lord Erestor, I just thought that if he
believed Lord Glorfindel no longer loved him he would set him free."

"A mistake born of ignorance of the true nature of love, my
daughter," said Inilwen sadly, speaking for the first time. "I had
thought you learned that in Lothlorien, but apparently not."

"What do you mean, Naneth?" asked the maid.

"You did not fade from grief when the young Galadhel you claimed to
love was killed by orcs, but the one he left you for did," she said,
holding the now sobbing Amien close. "He was never yours, and
neither is Lord Glorfindel."

"I know that now, Nana," she replied through her tears. Celebríían
watched the two, her brow furrowing as she the briefest shadow of
doubt at the maid's sincerity touched her mind.

"I fear that my wife and I must take the responsibility for our
daughter's actions," Galen said to Elrond who, on hearing Inilwen's
words had come to regard Amien's plight in a more compassionate vein
but was not prepared to disregard the serious nature of the events
that had occurred at her hand.

"Aye, I accept that you may be partly to blame, but. we almost lost
Erestor and he and Glorfindel have suffered unnecessarily as a
result of her misguided actions."

"Misguided? Her actions were well planned and deliberate," said
Darian, contradicting his lord in his anger. True he also felt a
small measure of sympathy for the maid, but he could not forget the
haunted look that has taken the light from Glorfindel's eyes as he
felt Erestor slowly fading, nor the fact the his Captain and friend
had almost been killed by orcs as he followed his heart back to
Imladris.

"I am forced to agree with Darian." Celebríían said as she moved
closer to Amien and tilted her chin so that she could see her
eyes. "I sense some remorse, but also a cold determination to
achieve her heart's desire despite her tears and her words. She can
not be trusted."

"I see, then the sooner she is away from the source temptation to
the better it will be for all concerned," stated Elrond turning to
speak with Galen once more. "Since I suspect Amien's behaviour is
the real reason your family left Lothlorien, and I value my
friendship with Thranduil too highly to send you to Mirkwood, I
suggest you leave for the Havens at once. I have no doubt the Valar
can assist Amien where others have failed."

Chapter 12/12

The soft sound of the door closing had signalled the return of their
privacy and Glorfindel wasted no time in taking full advantage of it
to respond to Erestor's teasing touches, moaning with need as he
ravished the mouth that opened eagerly to admit his tongue. The very
aroused seneschal drew back a little when the need to breathe forced
them apart.

"Would you like something to eat, or perhaps some tea?" Enquired
Glorfindel who, out of concern for his love's weakened state, and
the slight ache from his own wounds, made only a token effort to
remove himself from the bed. The sound of Erestor's amused chuckle
was as music to the seneschal's ears and he raised an eyebrow in
query as to the cause.

"My dear Glorfindel, we both know that Elrond has put a sleeping
draught in that tea, and I assure you I have no intention of
drinking it. I have spent more than enough hours in reverie in
recent times. There are more important matters to hand." He grinned
wickedly and suited his actions to his words and, taking care to
avoid Glorfindel's injured thigh. His lustful partner threw his head
back and groaned as the hand now wrapped his around his shaft, moved
agonisingly slowly up and down the hardened length.

"Aye I am certain you speak the truth, but I must say that for one
who has been ill for days, you have certainly made a swift
recovery," panted Glorfindel, the huskiness in his voice and the
small thrusts of his hips in time with the gentle strokes only
served to confirm that he shared in the desire that burned brightly
in Erestor's eyes.

"My body may have become weak as my spirit faded but my love and
desire for you never waned, nor will it. Now that we have spoken our
vows it shines as brightly as the light of the blessed Trees. Let me
make love to you, Glorfindel, for only then will our healing and our
bonding be complete." The intensity of the emotion he heard in
Erestor's voice spoke directly to his heart and Glorfindel's
resistance vanished between one beat and the next.

"It is not in my power to deny you anything, my love; I am yours to
do with as you will." Glorfindel whispered softly into Erestor's ear
before he playfully licked his way from the tip back to the sweet
lips for a kiss that was a passionate affirmation of their love. He
had imagined that the consummation of their marriage would take
place somewhere far more romantic than a bed in the healing halls,
but the he was so lost in the moment that he would have agreed to
make love in front of the very gates of Mordor should his beloved so
wish.

"Take your shirt off and then turn over onto your uninjured
shoulder," instructed Erestor, who had already removed the loose
pants and shirt he was wearing. Glorfindel was a little taken aback
by this suddenly demanding lover, who spooned up behind his Balrog
slayer, his own arousal pressing between into the warm cleft that
was his ultimate desire. Neither made ant further move as they
simply revelled in the delicious sensations on their skin wherever
their naked bodies touched.

"Pass me the oil," Erestor whispered seductively, indicating the
small bottle of oil that Glorfindel had used earlier to ease the
tangles from his lover's dark locks.

"Are you certain you are well enough?" His concern was so endearing
that it brought a tear of joy to Erestor's eye.

"Aye. Are you?" he asked in reply as he poured the oil onto his
hands and with agonising slowness caressed Glorfindel's arousal from
the base to the tip before rubbing his thumb over the sensitive slit.

"Ah.please.more.." was all Glorfindel could manage to say as
coherent thought gave way to wanton need.

"As you wish," replied the equally needy Advisor as he carefully
prepared his lover, taking his rightful place deep within him in a
single long slow movement that set the languorous pace for the act
of love that would bind them forever. Matching his thrusts with the
stroke of on hand while tweaking hardened nipples with the other,
and nipping playfully at the soft curve of his spouse's neck,
Erestor made love with his Balrog slayer, taking him with a
tenderness and completeness that astounded them both.

Wave after wave of exquisite tendrils of sensation spread through
their bodies and the need for the thrusts to become harder and
deeper drew them towards the heights of ecstasy. Through the
strengthening bond that seemed now to pulse in time with the beat of
their hearts, not only could each feel the other's pleasure, but
also the merging of two hearts and souls into one, and as one they
released their seeds.

"Glorfindel, did you feel what I felt?" Erestor asked when his
senses had returned from the heights of their mutual ecstasy.

"Aye, we are now truly bound and wed, my love." sighed a fully sated
Glorfindel as he turned and took his exhausted bond mate into his
arms.

"I suppose we should make a formal announcement," observed the
advisor as he settled comfortably against Glorfindel's chest,
listening to the heart that now beat in unison with his own...

"I doubt that will be necessary," smirked Glorfindel, his eyes
dancing with amusement at the colour that rose in Erestor's cheeks.
It was very becoming and he was unable to resist placing kisses on
them both.

"Why do you say that?"

"Because my sweet Erestor, we just declared our union so vocally
that I suspect everyone in Imladris is well aware of it," Glorfindel
murmured into the dark hair.

"Hmm, it was a most pleasurable way of imparting news, perhaps we
should do it again later, just to be sure everyone hears the
message?" Erestor suggested, his wicked smile changing rapidly to a
yawn, causing Glorfindel to do likewise.

"Ai, I fully intend to, whenever and wherever possible," replied
Glorfindel as he parted Erestor's legs with his knee and
suggestively ground his unwounded thigh against his lover's
groin. "Maybe in that quiet little spot in the main garden, or in
your study?"

"Mmmm..or your office. or right here," mumbled the advisor drowsily
as he tried in vain to force his exhausted body to respond to the
pleasurable touch. All he managed was another yawn, and sensing his
love's weariness, Glorfindel stilled his movement.

"Aye, but for now I think we both need some rest," he said
tenderly. "Erestor?" Glorfindel asked with some concern, lightly
shaking a shoulder when there was no response. His frown turned to a
smile when he realised his bond mate was already lost in his dreams
and with a contented sigh, Glorfindel rested his chin on the soft
hair and allowed his eyes to glaze in reverie.

******************

Despite Glorfindel's boast, not all of Imladris had been privy to
the loudly voiced cries of passion coming from the healing halls and
it was only when Elrond came to inform the lovers of his decision
regarding Amien that he learned what had transpired. He was certain
both Glorfindel and Erestor would be relieved to hear that the maid
and her parents, under Darian's watchful eye, were already preparing
to leave and that Glorfindel's own patrol was to escort the family
to the Havens.

Hearing no sound from behind the door, and mindful of invading their
privacy, Elrond knocked loudly several times before daring to step
uninvited into the chamber. He glanced briefly at the untouched meal
tray, his eyebrows furrowing as he lifted the kettle and realised
that it was not his sleeping draught that was responsible for the
exhausted reverie of his friends but more likely their recent
activities, as the evidence of his eyes suggested.

He moved quietly over to the bed where the two slept soundly,
rolling his eyes in exasperation as he picked up several items of
discarded clothing from the floor. Apparently they had not heeded
his advice, choosing instead to complete their bond as he had known
they would, and yet he could not deny that the loving closeness of
the entwined bodies and the looks of utter contentment on the
flushed faces was a far better remedy than anything he could devise
and his heart filled with joy and relief that all would be well.

"May the Valar bless your union," he whispered placing a soft kiss
of congratulation on the brow of each of his dear friends as he
pulled the covers over their nakedness before leaving the chamber
and closing the door quietly behind him.

His light heartedness did not pass unnoticed by Celebríían who had
also come to see the how Eretor and Glorfindel were faring,
especially when he panicked her up by the waist and twirled her
around, laughing merrily in a display of his joy.

"Elrond! Whatever has possessed you?" she asked in the same moment
her eyes lit with recognition. "Am I to understand the marriage bond
is complete?" The lore master merely nodded then kissed his wife
soundly.

"Then please unhand me, my love. I must begin plans for the
celebrations at once!"

END