Glorfindel rapped sharply on the door. He sighed to himself; Erestor seemed physically incapable of being on time for any appointment. At least any with him… He wondered if Elrond had this much trouble with his advisor.

"Erestor!" he called out. The Noldo's constant tardiness was beginning to wear on his nerves. He knew it wasn't an important meeting, but it was still a meeting and they had both agreed to have now. Glorfindel had had enough. He opened the door, his voice wearing thin as he spoke. "Erestor! Do you plan to keep me waiting all day, or were…" The blonde Elf stopped short, shutting the door quickly behind him. Is this why his friend was always late to their meetings?

"Well, well, well, my old friend! I see I have come at a bad time." Glorfindel tried hard to not laugh at the scene before him. Erestor had obviously taken a fancy to the new maid helping in Elrond's kitchens. Glorfindel hid his smirk behind his right hand, raising an eyebrow at the very angry Elf on the bed. The young Elf maid blushed deep crimson as she hurried to straighten her clothing. She scampered towards the door, her head down. He stepped in between her and the exit, "You may wish to tidy your hair before returning to work, Ellegail."

"Yes, Lord Glorfindel." The slender brunette slipped through the door he held open.

"It looks like you are back to your seductive best, dear friend," Glorfindel grinned at Erestor. "And once again, the Imladris' maidens can expect a drop in their number," he added, laughing.

"You are mistaken, *friend*," Erestor slid off the bed, clad only in leggings, gathering his robe from the floor. "Your timing has garnered them a reprieve," he pulled the robe on roughly, "For now." he added over his shoulder.

For a several moments, the room was filled with silence, as Erestor busied himself in straightening his appearance. Finally, he turned to face Glorfindel. The anger had faded from his eyes, in its place a smug smile glinted wickedly.

"My oldest friend would not be *jealous*, would he? I believe that you have deflowered many virginal young Elves in Imladris yourself."

Glorfindel laughed as he seated himself on the bed, "That I have, Erestor. But you forget - our tastes are wildly different."

Erestor smiled. They always played this game. He sometimes wondered why they continued to go through all these "formalities" when they both knew where it would lead. "I do believe we have had this conversation before, Glorfindel. And if memory serves me correctly, I believe that we established that our tastes are not so different."

Glorfindel smirked. So Erestor wanted to get to the point did he? Well… He had kept him waiting all that time… No, he would not go along this time, no matter how anxious he was to get to the end as well.

"My dear Erestor, forgive me. Either your memory serves you incorrectly, or mine has failed. I cannot remember the conversation you are referring to. Perhaps you would be good enough to tell me?"

Erestor groaned inwardly. Glorfindel wanted to play the game to its end; so be it. He had little choice but to play along. "I do believe that we discussed this at our last meeting, Glorfindel. I distinctly recall heated debate over what you believed to be varying tastes but which I *conclusively* proved," he added with a smirking leer, "that we do in fact have very similar, in fact, almost identical, tastes in bed partners."

Glorfindel returned the smirk, a sharp blue eye quickly surveying the brunette before him. It was more than slightly obvious the need Erestor was suffering from. Despite the heavy black robe, Erestor's stance gave him away at a glance. Glorfindel, despite being in exactly the same predicament, had the advantage of being seated on the bed. Carefully he rose, walking slowly over to Erestor, who stood looking out the window, anticipating his next move. Gently he wrapped his arms around his velvet-clad torso. He leant his head into his alabaster ear and whispered, "Conclusively proved you say? I'm sorry, Erestor, but I'm still not remembering this debate. Perhaps we should… re-argue it? Reach a new conclusion?" His fingers walked up the soft fabric, flicking the garment open as he went. He trailed his fingers up the Counsellor's long neck, glancing down as the black robe fell open, revealing smooth, marble skin beneath it. He pressed a light kiss to Erestor's neck. "I personally think that a picture says more than words ever can. Perhaps you could demonstrate this argument for me?" He punctuated his point by running his other hand up the inside of his partner's thigh, leaving it to rest against his warm groin.

Erestor sighed softly and sank back against Glorfindel's broad chest. A million Orcs could have besieged Imladris and he would not have cared. They had been doing this for more years than he could count, and although it never changed, it never bored either of them. He knew Glorfindel only came to him when he had no other partners, a fact that hurt him at times, but then again - he had gone to him the first time for the very same reason. "I think I agree with you, Glorfindel. Words can be so… ineffectual at times."

"At last! Something we agree upon, Erestor." Glorfindel's fingers began massaging Erestor through the soft fabric of the leggings.

Erestor drew a sharp breath. Glorfindel was not going to get the better of him this time. It was time to turn the tables on him. Erestor stepped away from the kneading fingers. "I think - as you so kindly proved then - that we could also agree upon the fact that you have terrible timing. Now if you will excuse me, I must go and apologise to the young lady you so rudely embarrassed with your ill-timed entry." Erestor turned on his heel and headed for the door.

Glorfindel sighed; he did not know why Erestor was acting so strangely. This was their "game", and they both played it by unspoken rules. "Erestor," he called. "You have forgotten something."

Erestor turned to face him, "I have forgotten nothing, Glorfindel. I go only to deliver a message."

Glorfindel laughed, "Then you may wish to alter your appearance, dear Counsellor. You are hardly in any fit state to be delivering messages. Especially to any young maiden you may happen across."

Erestor glanced down at himself. He silently chastised himself. He had been trying to make a dignified exit and come out on top of the situation. However, in his haste, he had not cleared the fog of lust in his mind, and had forgotten that his robe was completely undone. He refastened his robe, blushing a deep red, still cursing his body for ruling his mind. He drew, held and released a few deep breaths, desperately trying to regain his shattered composure. Feeling satisfied that he was now decently attired to venture out into public; he opened the door and stepped into the hallway.

As he walked, Erestor cursed himself once again for not controlling himself better. It was only Glorfindel! They had done this for centuries! Neither of them was the type who wished to settle with only one Elf. They both preferred to keep their options open as it were. Everyone who knew his name would split their seams laughing, if they heard that Erestor thought he was falling in love. They would die laughing if they knew that Glorfindel was the object of his affection. The two were notoriously competitive, notably for their bedroom antics, but also for Elrond's affections, adulations, and praise. In almost every part of their lives, they competed silently to out-do the other. Erestor sighed as he sauntered down the hallway, in no hurry to get to the kitchen as it only meant he had to return to his bedroom sooner. And he knew that Glorfindel would be waiting for him. He had a very strong sense what it meant to be fair, and Erestor had not thanked him for pointing out his state of undress. Which meant that Glorfindel would be looking to be thanked. Thanked twice. Once for pointing out his robe, then again because Erestor had not thanked him at the time. He sighed again and continued the walk to the kitchen.

* * *

Glorfindel smiled when he saw Erestor walk out the door. He knew he shouldn't, but he could not help but stare at the fine figure he cut. He had never come across anyone so dignified, yet so sexually magnetic. Every time he saw him, he was drawn to him. And every time Erestor looked at him or spoke to him, his heart jumped in his chest like a silly Elfling with a crush. Every time one called on the other, seeking comfort and pleasure in their bed, Glorfindel was left with a longing. A longing to reach out and stroke Erestor's hair, a longing to draw a bath and share it with him - a longing to do more than just satisfy the need for carnal possession. But, Glorfindel knew that no matter how much he hoped, Erestor would always prefer to seduce a young Elf maid, than to settle with one for the rest of his years.

Glorfindel sighed as he walked out of Erestor's room. He may not have a hope of winning his heart, but at least he was certain of having his body. Glorfindel thought to himself as he walked the path to the kitchen, at least he could make the experience as pleasant as possible. Erestor may not expect romance, but Glorfindel was in the mood for more than another night of intense passion. He caught sight of Erestor at the far end of the hallway. He was clearly not in a hurry to deliver his apologies to the young maid. Glorfindel grinned. That was even better - he had a chance to beat Erestor to the kitchen and organise a small surprise for when he finally returned to his room.

* * *

Erestor finally made his way into the kitchen. He was surprised by what he saw. Glorfindel was there, and talking to Ellegail! The young maid was blushing a soft pink and giggling, her head dipping shyly, as the statuesque Vanya talked to her. Erestor cleared his throat and raised an inquiring eyebrow, when the two looked at him. Glorfindel leant in close and whispered in Ellegail's ear before straightening and walking past Erestor, acknowledging him with a small nod. Just before he reached the door, he turned and addressed Ellegail, "You understand what I desire, Ellegail?"

She nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, Lord Glorfindel! I shall prepare now." She turned and prepared to bustle off when Erestor stopped her.

"Ellegail," he called after her, "What did Lord Glorfindel want with you?"

"Nothing." She turned away from him.

"You were deep in conversation with him, certainly that is not nothing!"

"He merely came to enquire about…" she took a deep breath, "The meal for this evening."

Erestor rolled his eyes. Whatever Glorfindel was up to, he would find out soon enough. "I take it he apologised for his… behaviour earlier?"

She blushed again, "Yes, sir. He did apologise, most profusely in fact."

"Good. Then I have no need to do it for him. Provided you feel there is no grievance, then I am happy. I shall see you later." Erestor smiled and then headed from the kitchen.

*****

Glorfindel practically raced back to Erestor's rooms. Erestor was notoriously difficult to surprise, and if he wished to raise even an eyebrow, he would need as much time as possible to prepare. He hoped that his hunch would prove correct and Erestor would not hurry back to his room. He flew into the chamber, and finally allowed himself to breathe; Erestor was not here. If he had hurried, he would have arrived long before Glorfindel, who had had to detour to make one final arrangement to complete the surprise. Glorfindel bustled around the bedroom, fussily arranging everything. He smoothed the rich bed covers once again, critically eyeing the plush fabric before him, when a soft knock came at the door.

"Lord Glorfindel?" Ellegail's soft voice called through the thick wood of the door.

Glorfindel had not even realised that he had been holding his breath until it escaped from him in a loud rush, "Come in, Ellegail, come in." He strode to the door, pulling it open as she struggled to open it whilst balancing the tray she carried. Glorfindel's eyes critically reviewed the food she brought. It was what he had asked, but he was slightly disappointed none the less. "Is this everything, Ellegail?" he inquired.

"Yes it is, my Lord. Is it not correct?"

"It is fine. However, the presentation is slightly cluttered. If you would be so kind as to bring me a larger dish, I shall rearrange it slightly." Upon seeing her disappointed look, he added, "It is not a comment on your work, merely on your experience. You are young and new to your job. In time, you will learn who expects what. Right now you are about to learn that I am a perfectionist. Especially," he grinned mischievously at her, "when it comes to matters of romance." He chuckled as she blushed. "Now go and fetch another dish, and I shall teach you what I expect."

* * *

Erestor pondered what Glorfindel could possibly be up to, he was not one to apologise for his actions. Nor was he one to seek the help of others in his devious plans. Whatever Glorfindel was up to, Erestor was not eager to find out. He had been the "victim" of many of the Vanya's grand schemes before, and whilst many had extremely pleasant outcomes, many remained in his memory that had been altogether evil.

Erestor decided that Glorfindel was best left to his own devices until his plan came to fruition. But still his nerves would not calm. Something about this particular occasion irked him more than normal. What is was, Erestor could not yet say. Instead of dwelling on it, he decided to forget it and go out and enjoy the beauty of the gardens instead.

* * *

Ellegail had returned quickly, and Glorfindel had trained her hastily in his particular ways and quirks of wooing. He had thanked her with a light kiss on the cheek, and chuckled at her blush as she scampered from the room. With the door closed firmly behind her, Glorfindel set about finishing the arrangements in the room. When he was finished, he stood back and examined his work. Rich velvet curtains fell to the floor, and candles covered the bedchamber with a muted, golden halo. Elegant cloths adorned a table, atop which was placed a selection of all of Erestor's favourite delicacies. Secreted around the room were bottles of his favourite wine. Glorfindel did not wish to be far from something that may help to relax his friend when he decided to return. On the bed lay fine linen sheets, topped with a cover matching the curtains and fragrant flower petals.

Glorfindel was uncertain as to how his friend would respond to his efforts. The Eldar was not one who generally wooed his partners; usually they required little convincing to come to his bed. He had few men who had ever resisted, usually it was the young maids who were uncertain and he had never been romancing them. He had won them over to warm his bed, not to share it. Yet, now he found himself seeking more than physical passion, he sought emotional comfort as well. He sought to love and be loved by another. He was aware that many he had taken to bed would have been willing, even eager, to fulfil that role. However, he had chosen to set his sights on one who was like him, at least who he perceived to be and there was little chance that this one would change his behaviour now. Glorfindel sighed; if Erestor shunned him, then the raven-haired Counsellor won. The warrior would have broken the game's cardinal rule by falling in love, whereas Erestor would continue to love and leave all those who entered his bed. Glorfindel felt scared - more scared than ever before. He had toughened himself emotionally in battle; it was the only way to survive watching those around you fall. But battling evil did not help one to battle inner turmoils of the heart.

* * *

Erestor strolled languidly through the manicured grounds. He always found this place the most relaxing when he was tense. He liked to find a secluded area, then sit and meditate on his thoughts. It was the most effective way for him to rid his mind of everything that was troubling him. Even just walking among the gardens, listening to the trees and the birds. He liked to listen to their conversations; they were so simple and uncomplicated. Erestor sometimes wished for his life to be that basic and emotionally uncluttered, wished to live a life that required so little to be fulfilling. He longed to love, but he had been scarred from the time when he had. He had grown scared over long years that had passed, and was now faced with a lover so similar that he wished to remain hidden in the safety of the secluded gardens for the rest of time. He sank gratefully against the trunk of a large oak, closing his eyes to the tears that stung their corners.

"Why do I do this to myself?" He thought to himself, "Why do I allow myself to love them so much? I swore I would never love another that much again. Yet I have fallen again." The picture of the muscular warrior floated into his mind; golden hair cascading down the broad shoulders and a wicked glint in the sapphire eyes. As Erestor revelled in the glorious image, it changed. Slowly, the face aged ever so slightly, the features sliding into a new, but equally appealing arrangement; the body becoming slightly leaner; the fall of the golden hair becoming increasingly wavy; and the eyes… Those eyes… They had been responsible for so much in his life; pleasure, comfort, desire… Those sparkling sapphires morphed, became enticing, enigmatic emeralds, offering him everything if he could only find the key to unlock them.

Thranduil…

*****

Thranduil…

The name still made Erestor cringe. Even after all these years, someone that was only a distant memory still had this effect on him. He felt more tears fighting to burst past his clamped eyelids and he cursed them and his mind. He had hardly past his majority when he had entered Mirkwood with his remaining family. Erestor had blocked much of the painful events from his mind; but he remembered that they had been attacked whilst travelling, returning from visiting distant family members who had recently had a new daughter. He had lost both parents to the vile creatures and the few who survived had looked to him for leadership. He had been confused and uncertain; knowing only that their attackers would not be satisfied with their prize of two Elves for long. He had led them the only place he knew was close.

Mirkwood.

He knew that their presence there would not be welcomed and that they would have to face many more dangers to get to the heart of the Kingdom, but it was the only option he knew. So, he had led them there and by the grace of the Valar, they had arrived unscathed. However, the fearsome creatures that dwelled in the woods seemed to pale when compared to the King of the realm. Erestor had been stunned into silence momentarily and had paid dearly for it. The statuesque King Oropher had demanded to know what a troupe of Noldor was doing in his kingdom uninvited. Erestor had failed to answer immediately and had been berated mercilessly for his pause. He had been questioned on his intelligence and called every name the ill-tempered ruler could think up. Erestor had merely cringed in his place, trying to suppress the embarrassed blush that was fighting to take over his face.

"I am sorry, Sir. I merely sought to keep my party alive." Erestor had mumbled the words to his feet but the Elf's keen ears had heard every word and the Noldo had been berated once again. It had seemed like an age, but eventually, they had been dismissed. Erestor had never found out what made the Sindar Elf allow them to stay. They had been escorted to several small rooms and given food and fresh clothing and allowed to bathe. Erestor had felt the need to watch over all his companions before finally seeking any sort of rest himself. However, his heart had been heavy and he had found himself pacing the great halls of the palace. Due to his inattention, he had run firmly into a young Elf, older than himself but still young by all standards. Erestor had snapped out of his daze as he felt flesh connect solidly with flesh. He blinked, embarrassed, at the blonde who now lay in a pile on the floor. He had stammered an apology and offered a hand to help up the other. It had been brushed away and as he had stood up, Erestor had recognised him as having been in the King's court. The more he had studied he features, the more embarrassed he became. There was no mistaking this young Elf - he was the King's son, the Prince of Mirkwood. However, it seemed that he had not inherited his father's fiery temper. He had smiled and introduced himself - Thranduil. His eyes had captivated Erestor; they were a unique shade of green and glittered like two gems, inviting entry inside his mind, but hiding a deep seeded pain. Erestor had fallen under their spell, agreeing to almost everything the Prince had asked of him. Things Erestor had never envisioned himself doing… Things he had never wanted to do…

Erestor shook the disturbing memories from his mind. Now was not the time to think about the past. He had escaped from that part of his life a long time ago. He wished to dwell on it no longer. He closed his eyes and slowed his breathing. It would not bode well to be surprised by Glorfindel and have tears fresh in his eyes.

Erestor headed from the gardens. It was time to face the tricky Vanya and whatever surprises he may have planned.

* * *

Glorfindel sighed. It was getting late; the sun was sinking slowly, casting a crimson-gold glow over the land. However, there was no sign of Erestor returning. He had been pacing the room relentlessly, and all those he asked replied only that they had not seen the Advisor for several hours. Much of his hard work had been for nothing; several of the foods had spoiled, and Ellegail had already removed them.

Glorfindel sighed and flopped onto the Noldo's bed. At least Erestor had good taste in comfortable bedding, thought Glorfindel to himself as he closed his eyes. At least in his dreams he could have Erestor on his own terms and have everything go to plan.

* * *

Erestor was not sure why he hurried to his room. He was not eager to see what Glorfindel's wicked mind had come up with, but he did not wish to stay away any longer. He sighed, so many confusing thoughts, all scrambling for attention in his mind. He carefully pushed the door to his room open, dreading the inevitable smirk on the elegant face that would greet him. However, what he saw left him gaping in shock. There was no smirking Vanya there to greet him with a new and embarrassing game. Instead, the slender warrior was lying on Erestor's bed, his pillow clutched to his chest like a lover. Erestor was amazed; Glorfindel had been planning no mean trick, he had transformed his room into a haven, a private, romantic haven. It was everything Erestor could ever have wished for, and more! As quietly as possible, he closed the door behind him and slid onto his bed, wanting to wrap himself around Glorfindel, and wanting to have him see his eyes when he awoke, but not being able to remove the pillow; Erestor was forced to only gaze at his sometime-lover and gradually, he too drifted off into a world of dreams.

* * *

Glorfindel awoke slowly. He had not really intended to fall asleep for as long as he had done. Even though the surprise would no longer be what he had originally wanted, it could still be pleasant. He glanced down and blushed fiercely; he was clutching Erestor's pillow. He had begun to run his hand over it, imagining that it had been Erestor's cheek or his hair. He remembered moving closer, resting his head on its edge, inhaling the scent that was so distinctly Erestor's. Carefully he sat up, twisting to replace the pillow. Glorfindel almost fell off the bed when his eyes lit on the sleeping form of Erestor, lying on the bed next to him. Glorfindel attempted to remove himself from the bed as quickly and unobtrusively as possible, but failed. Erestor's hand shot out, grabbing his wrist and pulling him back onto the bed.

"Erestor…" he stuttered, "I'm sorry, it was… I had…"

Erestor didn't let Glorfindel finish; instead pulled him down, crushing himself underneath the blonde's chest as he kissed him firmly.

"Glorfindel… Be quiet!" And for the first time in many years, Glorfindel had nothing to say. This time, he made the right decision and let his actions speak for him, grasping Erestor, and kissing him back. It had taken him a long time to learn, but maturity had its advantages…

END

*Find out about Erestor's history in 'Ebony and Ivory' and Glorfindel's in 'Silver on Gold'.