Title: Keys

Author: LK

Warnings: Slash

Rating: PG

Beta: None, those mistakes are all my own

Disclaimer: Not mine, just playing. Here's the formal version: All
publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of
their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the
property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the
owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright
infringement is intended.

Characters: Erestor/Glorfindel

Summary: A big step

Challenge: Daily Drabble - prompt: Keys

~*~

Imladris, Early Third Age

Erestor walked down the corridor, heading toward the appointed
meeting place. He measured his stride so he would arrive exactly at
the expected time--neither a moment early, nor a moment late. As he
walked, he mused on the uncomfortable feeling he had been
experiencing all morning.

He was ancient, even for an Elf. It had been thousands of years
since he had felt nervous knots in his belly, or what Elladan and
Elrohir referred to as "butterflies." To his great annoyance, not
only did he feel the flip-flopping and swirling in his stomach, but
it grew worse as the morning hours waned and the specified time
finally arrived.

He had been hard-pressed to restrain himself from seeking Glorfindel
out early to get the matter over with and end his anxiety, but he
refused to let the pixies dancing in his belly win out over his
superior logic and cool common sense. It was true that this day
represented a big step for them, but it was certainly not monumental,
so what did he have to be nervous about?

Still, what if he arrived and was the lone keeper of their
appointment? What if he stood there waiting, only for it to be in
vain? What if Glorfindel changed his mind, and all of it was for
naught?

"Nay," he muttered firmly. "Glorfindel would not do that. This is
right. We both feel it." The dark-haired Elf rarely talked to
himself, but in this instance, he needed the extra weight of hearing
his own thoughts spoken aloud in order to believe them.

Approaching the last turn before he reached his destination, Erestor
took a long, steadying breath. Rounding the corner, he felt a surge
of relief at the sight of the tall ellon leaning casually against the
wall. The feeling was quickly followed by guilt that he had ever
doubted Glorfindel. The golden-haired Elf had never given him any
cause to believe he was capable of something so dishonorable, and
Erestor suddenly felt unworthy.

All such thoughts and feelings of guilt, nervousness, or low self
worth evaporated instantly when Glorfindel smiled at him with a
brilliance that was nearly blinding. Glorfindel's smile was a common
sight in Imladris; his optimistic outlook and merry disposition made
him one of the most cheerful residents of the haven. This particular
smile, however, was reserved solely for Erestor. It warmed the
counselor to his very soul and all dark thoughts fled before it.

The Balrog Slayer pushed away from the wall and sauntered slowly
toward him with a self-satisfied air. It was no secret that
Glorfindel had wished for this day for many years. Now that it had
arrived, he could not help feeling just a little smug. After all, he
had achieved what no other had in Erestor's long life.

Almost triumphantly, Glorfindel held up the small bit of metal he was
holding. Without hesitation, Erestor did likewise.

Neither of them ever actually locked their chamber doors, and
Glorfindel likely had to hunt as hard for his spare the way Erestor
did, but that was not the point. The significance was in what the
event symbolized--trust, open invitation, perpetual access and a
welcome that was its own type of intimacy.

As they reached forward and exchanged keys to their personal
chambers, Erestor knew he was really giving Glorfindel the keys to
his heart. It was something he had never given to another . . . his
heart, that is. As he leaned in to accept Glorfindel's tender kiss,
he was certain it would be well cared for in the golden Elf's keeping--
and not long at all before they both lived behind the same door.

~fin~