Title: In Dreams
Author: phyncke
For: tripledogdare
Challenge: First Impressions
Beta: khylea
Email: jhfink@sbcglobal.net
Rating: PG
Pairing(s): Glorfindel/Fingolfin, Erestor/Elrond
Setting: Valinor after the 3rd Age
Summary: Sometimes the Valar know what is best and two old friends
find love.




** denotes italics

THE DREAM……

It was a field of golden flowers, long stems swaying in the wind, a
fire-like ripple effect. He walked a while and thus when he tired he
lay down. It was seemingly without end and he took comfort in the cool
grass beneath his back. It cushioned him nicely, allowing him to drift
off to sleep. He woke when he felt the shadow over his face, and
squinted up to see who was there, having not sensed any danger. Indeed
there was none here in this paradise.

"You will see me soon."

A silhouette wreathed in sunlight. He could not distinguish the other
elf's features but could see he had golden hair. Vanyar?

"Who are you?"

"That does not matter now."

"Of course it matters. Tell me who you..……."

"You already know in your heart."

With that cryptic statement, the elf walked away and when Fingolfin
sat up to follow him there was no trace that another being had ever
been there.

AWAKENING……

What a curious dream. It was dark outside now as Fingolfin lay resting
on the downy coverlet trying to shake the fog from his mind. As he sat
up on the bed, the impression of the flowers was still in his mind;
the golden aura, the scent of clean air and sweet grass. He felt
anticipation but dismissed it as dread of the event he must attend
that evening. His descendent, Elrond, had arrived with a party of
elves from the hinter lands. It was a joyous occasion and most of
Tirion would be turned out in style. He really was not good at these
mingling soirees. He did not have the comfortable social grace,
neither the desire, nor the patience for it.

"Late, I am late."

He muttered to the empty room and launched out of the bed to ready
himself. If he had to go, he would make a fine showing.

*You already know in your heart."*

Those words were echoing in his mind. His heart always felt so cold.
It would take…….well best not to dwell on it.

ARRIVAL……..

Glorfindel teased Erestor mercilessly about how long it had taken him
to get ready.

"You primp like a female! It is astounding!"

"Glorfindel, one must always take care with one's appearance."

"You stood in front of that mirror for well more than an hour. That is
a record, even for you, counselor……."

"These things take time." Erestor stated succinctly, smoothing down
his clothing as he walked.

The warrior laughed heartily at that and responded acidly.

"I look fine and I took a fraction of the time you took to get ready.
Ask Elrond. He will tell you."

The trio strode rapidly down the corridor in Finarfin's palace as the
honored guests, the reason for this elven gathering. They were the
most recent arrivals to Valinor and this was a celebration in their
honor.

Elrond called back to them as he led them through the marbled halls.

"Do not involve me in this argument, I refuse to be drawn in. We are
almost there, so straighten up and behave both of you……..all my
relations are here and……well, just mind what you say. You especially,
Glorfindel…….."

Stopping in a cluster at the arched doorway, the former herald of the
High King and Lord of Imladris surveyed his two advisors critically.
They would do, they would do quite well. He was proud to be seen with
them.

Glorfindel was handsome in his dark blue tunic with matching leggings.
His boots were polished to a shine and his hair cascaded over his
shoulders like a golden waterfall. Heads turned as they entered the
room. Erestor's dark eyes flashed as he picked at his silver buttons
matched perfectly to the deeper silver hue of his long robes.

"They are staring at us, my Lord. Have they never seen three elves
before? It is rude beyond measure."

Elrond chuckled.

"You forget, my dear friend. There is not much here to keep them
occupied. We are bound to fascinate them. Chin up. Mingle. Mix. We are
here to enjoy ourselves."

Glorfindel said nothing as he surveyed the crowded room. The wine was
flowing, people were laughing and the party was in full swing. Other
Imladrians were scattered amongst the crowd. Lindir was over by the
musicians, which was no surprise, getting to know them and seeing
where he might fit in here with the Valinor minstrels. Elrond's
captain could not escape the feeling that something was going to
happen. It was not foreboding, but prescience. It suffused his body
and made him a little more aware than usual. He nabbed a goblet off a
tray as a server hurried by for the other side of the room.

It was going to be an interesting night.

READY……

Buttoning down the last button, he assessed his appearance in the
mirror. Serious grey eyes reflected back at him. So very serious. Even
time in paradise had not lightened his spirit. He needed…….he
needed……..gah…….he did not know what he needed……..and that dream.

*You already know in your heart."*

How very vexing. He was annoyed and he had not even gotten to the
damned event yet.

His raven hair was braided simply in one plait at the back, bound with
a jeweled sapphire clasp though this did not keep a few strands from
falling into his face haphazardly. Try as he might, it would not all
stay where it was supposed to. He had chosen a cobalt blue tunic for
this night, with silver detailing. Very Noldo. Why disguise what he
was? He'd returned from Mandos, this was true. He was reborn but he
still looked every inch the high king he had been. He could not really
change his bearing or his history. Why try?

Pulling the door closed with a click, he began the walk out of his
house and to the ballroom at his brother's palace. It was a short
distance through Tirion and the night, as usual, was mild. Such
weather added to the monotony of Valinor. There was little change. No
inclement weather, no storms. No variation. It was indeed paradise.

Fingolfin's thoughts wandered as he walked. He had been restless since
his rebirth. Incomplete. He found things too calm in this new life and
often caught himself pondering on all he had done before. While war
was unfortunate, it did keep one busy. At times he even longed for
Beleriand. There he had felt a sense of purpose.

He entered the palace and nodded at the butler who inclined his head
respectfully. He was a frequent visitor to his brother's residence.
The building was alight with lanterns and candles for the occasion,
polished to a fine shine. He wound his way through the long marbled
corridors, finding himself at the entrance to the grand ballroom.

*Breathe. Just breathe.*


SIGHT……

He caught sight of him ere he was noticed himself. The high king was a
striking figure in Noldor colors, elegantly turned out, almost black
hair shining though errantly haloing his face. He liked that
imperfection. Glorfindel's azure eyes twinkled at the observation.
Erestor was talking to him, but the golden warrior was careful to look
over his friend's shoulder as Fingolfin took up his place next to
Finarfin at the front.

Glorfindel had not seen him since the long march and that was at a
distance since he himself had been at the rear of that host.
Fingolfin cut quite a figure. Formidable, intense…….

*"You already know in your heart."*

Those words hung at the fringes of his mind as he looked at
wise-Finwe. Fingolfin turned and leveled a penetrating gaze at him
over his wine glass.

"You are not listening, Glorfindel. I find it most irksome."

Erestor was annoyed. Woe be unto him. Glorfindel turned his focus back
to Imladris' chief counselor but not before the look between the two
elves had been noticed.

"You are playing with fire there, my friend. That is the High King."

"Former and I know."

"He is not to be trifled with."

"I know."

"That is your usual way." Erestor pointed out.

"This is different."

That statement was met with silence and one raised eyebrow.

FRUSTRATION……

An elf wreathed in gold. That is all he saw and here he was mired in
this boring conversation about council meetings. Finarfin had reminded
him of his obligations and he dutifully mingled with Tirion's finest
elves and the politically connected.

"And with that amendment added the motion was carried forward……."

Fingolfin nodded and sipped casually at his wine, following the
movements of the golden haired elf. He knew who that was. One of
Turgon's allies …….Glorfindel, though by all accounts he had been
reborn to Middle Earth which was rare indeed. His eyes seemed to
capture the essence of the sky and his lips so full, lush. He imagined
how pliant they might be, an odd thought for him to have.

*"You already know in your heart."*

"And what is your position, Lord Fingolfin?"

Looking up with a start, he replied safely.

"I will have to study the issue further before commenting."

The counsel member nodded his agreement and moved on. He could breathe
again and when he looked up the golden one was gone. He could not help
but feel disappointment. That was when he felt the touch at his elbow.

"You handled that rather well, I think, for someone who was not really
listening."

The voice was deep, and amused.

LOVE……

Erestor watched as Glorfindel approached the unsuspecting king. They
made a striking pair, a contrast in opposites. He had to admit that
much. Frowning down, he watched his wine swirl against the inside of
the goblet.

"I would do anything to ease your worry. He will be fine, you know.
His heart must find its home…….."

A gentle voice, and understanding met him in the slate grey eyes of
his lord.

"You know me, my lord, I worry about such things. Even now when there
is no cause to."

"It made you a very vigilant adviser to me for all those long years in
Imladris but now is the time for us to relax a little. Let Glorfindel
be. He might be just what the High King needs……you never know who might
be attracted."

Elrond gave Erestor a pointed look wondering if he would catch his
meaning. For someone so intelligent, he could be so obtuse sometimes.
It was charming really. He sipped his wine and just let his eyes speak
for him. He could not hold back his feelings anymore. Now that they
were in the Undying Lands, there was no need. Celebrian had no
interest in renewing their marriage as she spent her time healing or
in solitude. He hoped that now Erestor might……

The counselor almost dropped his wine as he took Elrond's meaning,
shivering in a room that was not at all cold. There was no mistaking
him, or that look of longing. Could it be that he felt something for
him more than friendship? Erestor's large black eyes fixed on Elrond's.

"My lord……."

"Call me Elrond."

"Elrond……."

"I would rather you call me something else altogether……."

"And that is?"

"Your love. I have harbored feelings for you these long years and
cannot keep quiet any longer……."

Erestor looked around them and it occurred to him that this was not
the place for this discussion. They needed privacy and intimacy.

"Shh……my love, we cannot speak of this here and we have the long night
to get through." He moved close enough to whisper in his ear. "Please
know that I return your feelings……"

Elrond let out a sigh of relief, looking around them.

"Thank the Valar, Erestor. I have waited for you for so long."

"You have but a few hours more."

"I think I can manage."

"I have never seen a room full of so many kings. It is alarming, don't
you think?"

Erestor spoke more loudly moving away from Elrond, drinking lightly in
what he hoped was a casual manner. They were soon interrupted by a
Tirion counsel member seeking their participation in the local
government sessions. Erestor dealt with him easily while his lord
observed. It was going to be a long night. Minutes seemed like hours
and hours, like millennia……

A HORRIBLE FLIRT……

"You were looking for me before and you were looking at me when first
you came in."

These were not questions. Glorfindel stated these things as though
they were facts as his blue eyes sparkled. Fingolfin coughed into his
wine. How forward! His lips turned up with amusement. He had little
experience with flirting, but he knew when someone was.

"You are sure of this? Perhaps it was the person you were with? Or
someone behind you?"

"No, there was no mistaking it. You were NOT looking at Erestor."

Glorfindel put down his goblet and reached for two more as the waiter
passed. He moved like lightening and handed the high king a fresh
glass of wine. Fingolfin placed his empty one on the table and nodded.

"Thank you."

He looked at this presumptuous elf, feeling every nerve-ending awaken.
He was attracted to this golden elf. He had never known anything like
it. Not with Anairë…….nor with anyone else but it was something more.

*"You already know in your heart."*

He had no experience with other males and didn't doubt that Glorfindel
was more sophisticated than he in matters of love. He had that
assurance about him, an elegance that Fingolfin never felt. He did
already know.

"Why are you bothering with me? I am not your type."

"You looked well surrounded by the golden flower, beautiful and at peace."

"How can you…….?"

The question died on his lips as Glorfindel spoke his next words.

"You already know in your heart."

Fingolfin frowned silently taking a long gulp of his wine, trying to
digest the fact that the words in his mind had been uttered aloud.

"Are you toying with me? I will not be so……."

Moving so he was almost touching him, the warrior brought his lips
close to his ear.

"There are many I could toy with but not you……"

Fingolfin could feel the hint of warm breath on his skin in that
whisper. The music was playing, his family was there and it all faded
into the background. Glorfindel was close enough for him to touch.

"I am……."

"Frightened?"

At his nod, Glorfindel brushed his soft lips briefly over his skin and
backed up to look into his eyes.

"I will keep your heart safe. Now that I have found you, I will not
let you go."

Fingolfin's gaze noticeably altered at that. It softened and there
was a look of hope that had been missing before.

SOMEWHERE ELSE IN VALINOR……

Estë detected a look of smugness cross over the visage of her beloved
as they sat to dinner that evening. They had a wonderfully appointed
gazebo outside and took their repast in the serenity of the garden.

"What have you done, my love, to make you look so accomplished."

Lórien served himself some bread and salad, his smile widening.

"How astute of you to notice, my dear. I have just been helping the
elves a little bit. Don't want them being lonely here, you know."

"Now, what have you done?"

She well knew her husband's propensity to meddle and wondered who the
beneficiaries were this time.

The Lord of Dreams proceeded to tell her of the joint visions of the
high king and the golden warrior and their blossoming love. He was
quite pleased with the poetic nature of it all and its simplicity.

"Two such formidable elves. Do you think that wise?"

"I believe they need a challenge, so why not in love?"

"Indeed..."

And the light trill of Estë's laughter carried through the fragrant trees.

*The end or really the beginning*

End